Harmattan AI Secures $200 Million in Series B Funding
A French enterprise, Harmattan AI, dedicated to developing autonomous drones for military applications in Europe, has successfully raised $200 million in a Series B funding round today. The financing, spearheaded by the esteemed aviation manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA, elevates the total capital raised by the company to $242 million, thereby valuing it at approximately $1.4 billion.
Innovative Developments in Autonomous Technology
Harmattan AI is revolutionizing the market with its low-cost, high-volume autonomous drones and the sophisticated artificial intelligence frameworks necessary for their operation. Presently, the startup is advancing three distinct product lines, including a military surveillance drone, a drone engineered for weapon interception, and a training-centric system.
Strategic Contracts and Partnerships
Identified as a potential “European Anduril,” Harmattan AI has successfully forged contracts with the defense ministries of both France and the U.K.
Notably, in July, the French military placed an order for 1,000 autonomous drones, followed shortly thereafter by a substantial agreement with the U.K. government for the procurement of 3,000 drones as part of a multifaceted investment initiative.
Collaboration with Dassault Aviation
While initially looking to disrupt conventional defense technology paradigms, Harmattan AI has now pivoted its focus towards collaboration with established manufacturers.
In conjunction with Dassault, recognized for its Rafale fighter jets, the startup intends to enhance AI integration within future aircraft designs, alongside the development of additional drone systems.
Vision and Manufacturing Expansion
CEO Mouad M’Ghari articulated the substantial advantages of this partnership, noting Dassault’s unrivaled expertise in combat aviation systems. “Harmattan AI is adept at integrating autonomy and artificial intelligence into aviation platforms,” he asserted in a LinkedIn announcement.
The startup announced its current production capacity at “thousands” of drones per month, with this latest funding facilitating significant enhancements in manufacturing capabilities and broadening technological applications within the military sector.
The Rise of Drone Warfare
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has precipitated a reevaluation among NATO allies regarding warfare tactics, invigorating interest in autonomous technologies.
Harmattan AI, which previously partnered with the Ukrainian drone enterprise Skyeton, is poised to broaden its technological repertoire to encompass drone interception, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
Support from National Leadership
The funding milestone has garnered commendation from French President Emmanuel Macron, who deemed the investment “excellent news for our strategic autonomy, enhancing the technological superiority of our armed forces in AI-driven defense drones and beneficial for our economy.”
A Vision for Global Engagement
Despite Macron’s praise, the enterprise aspires to support a broader community, aiming to “empower the armed forces of liberal democracies and their allies.”
As part of this initiative, the organization plans to showcase its drone systems at the upcoming World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where high-ranking U.S. military representatives are anticipated to be present.
Urgency in the Global Security Context
Chief Technology Officer Martin de Gourcuff echoed a sentiment of urgency, highlighting the precarious state of international relations and the imperative for technological advancement. He commented in a separate LinkedIn post:
“As we witness a disintegration of the established order, the necessity for powers that uphold law becomes paramount; Harmattan AI exists to defend our foundational values in this evolving landscape.”
Source link: Siliconangle.com.
