French defence startup Harmattan AI reaches unicorn status after a $200M round led by Dassault Aviation, backing AI-powered drones and defence systems.
Harmattan AI, a French startup developing autonomous defence systems, has reached a $1.4 billion valuation after raising $200 million in a funding round led by Dassault Aviation. The investment includes a strategic partnership between the two companies.
The Paris-based startup had previously raised more than $40 million, though its valuation prior to the latest round was not disclosed.
The announcement was welcomed at the highest levels of government. Emmanuel Macron hailed the partnership and funding on X, calling Harmattan AI a new French unicorn and highlighting the deal’s significance for national security, technological sovereignty, and economic growth. He pointed to the role of AI-enabled defence drones in strengthening the capabilities of France’s armed forces.
Founded in 2024, Harmattan AI develops autonomous defence technologies, including strike and surveillance drones. The company says its systems have already been deployed with multiple NATO partners.
Proceeds from the Series B round will be used to expand Harmattan AI’s product portfolio and scale industrial manufacturing of its drone interception and electronic warfare platforms. As part of the partnership, Dassault Aviation will support the integration of Harmattan AI’s embedded AI capabilities into its future air combat systems.
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Harmattan AI also said it has been awarded several “programs of record” by the UK and French Ministries of Defence, signaling growing institutional adoption of its technology.
Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said the partnership aligns with the company’s long-standing focus on technological excellence and sovereignty. He added that working with Harmattan AI would strengthen Dassault’s ability to deliver advanced autonomous capabilities for next-generation combat air systems.
Mouad M’Ghari, CEO and co-founder of Harmattan AI, described the partnership as a decisive milestone for the company. He said Dassault Aviation’s backing accelerates Harmattan AI’s mission to deliver scalable, sovereign AI capabilities to allied forces, combining frontier AI with established military aviation expertise.
