Harmattan AI raises $200M Series B led by Dassault Aviation, becomes defense unicorn

Harmattan AI, a French defense technology startup founded in 2024, has raised $200 million in a Series B funding round led by Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale fighter jet. This significant investment elevates Harmattan AI to "defense unicorn" status and marks a strategic partnership aimed at developing embedded AI capabilities for future generations of Rafales and drones. The company, which specializes in autonomy and mission-system software for defense aircraft, has already gained strong validation from the French and British ministries of defense within its first two years. The partnership with Dassault Aviation signals a shift from Harmattan AI’s initial ambition to disrupt traditional defense primes to a collaborative approach with established industry leaders. The funding and partnership come amid growing demand for advanced drone and AI technologies, spurred by recent conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, which highlighted the importance of drone warfare for NATO forces. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the deal as a boost for France’s strategic autonomy, technological superiority in AI-enabled