Strategic Partnership in AI for Defense Aeronautics
On November 18, 2025, Dassault Aviation and Thales forged a significant partnership aimed at revolutionizing the application of controlled and supervised artificial intelligence (AI) within the realm of defense aeronautics. The agreement was announced during the International Adopt AI Summit held in Paris, a pivotal event under the auspices of the French President, highlighting its strategic importance.
Collaborative Innovation for Air Combat
This alliance combines the innovative capabilities of Dassault Aviation, known for its expertise in collaborative air combat systems, with the technological prowess of Thales’ AI accelerator, cortAIx. The focus of their collaboration centers on developing sovereign AI solutions tailored for both manned and unmanned aerial platforms, encompassing critical areas such as:
- Surveillance and reconnaissance
- Situational awareness and analysis
- Decision-making processes
- Operational planning and execution
Pascale Lohat, Chief Technical Officer at Dassault Aviation, emphasized that this partnership is a direct outcome of ongoing strategic discussions between the two organizations. It reflects their united commitment to integrating trustworthy and sovereign AI capabilities into military systems, thereby enhancing the operational effectiveness of the armed forces.
Framework and Ethical Compliance
The collaboration between Dassault Aviation and Thales’ cortAIx is designed to foster a sustainable partnership within a robust global ecosystem. These efforts are aligned with established national and European ethical standards, as outlined in the forthcoming AI Act. The implementation of these guidelines ensures that the developed AI technologies not only enhance defense capabilities but also adhere to moral and legal frameworks.
Thales Bringing Expertise and Agility
Mickael Brossard, Vice-President of the cortAIx Factory at Thales, highlighted that this partnership will leverage Thales’ extensive technological legacy, enriched by decades of military experience. This foundation, combined with the agility characteristic of an innovation accelerator, positions the collaboration to swiftly adapt to emerging demands.
Key geographical hubs for cortAIx include:
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates (forthcoming)
With recognized technological collaborators, cortAIx aims to convert AI advancements into tangible enhancements for national sovereignty and operational efficiency.
Vision for Trusted AI in Defense
During the Adopt AI event, Dassault and Thales elaborated on their vision for a responsible, secure, and sovereign AI paradigm in military applications. Their initiative aligns with the strategic goals of the European Defence Fund, aiming to promote innovation while ensuring that technological developments serve humanity effectively. This ambition was visually represented during the summit, showcasing the shared research priorities and innovation trajectories nurtured by the partnership.
In summary, the collaboration between Dassault Aviation and Thales signals a transformative step toward advanced AI integration in defense aerospace, underscoring both companies’ shared commitment to fostering a future where artificial intelligence enhances military capabilities responsibly and ethically. As international defense landscapes evolve, such strategic partnerships will be vital in ensuring that nations remain at the forefront of technological advancements in military operations.
