Harmattan AI Raises $200M in Series B Led by Dassault Aviation, Valuing French Defense Startup at $1.4B
Paris-based Harmattan AI secured $200 million in a Series B funding round led by Dassault Aviation, propelling the defense technology startup to a $1.4 billion valuation and unicorn status.
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| Credit: Dassault Aviation |
The investment, announced on January 12, 2026, includes participation from FirstMark Capital and builds on $42 million in prior funding.
Founded in 2024 by CEO Mouad M’Ghari and CTO Martin de Gourcuff, Harmattan AI develops autonomy and mission-system software for defense aircraft and drones.
The company has won multiple contracts with the French and British defense ministries and a multi-million-dollar deal from a NATO government for AI-enabled small drones.
The fresh capital will fund expansion into drone interception, electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, with plans to produce 10,000 drones per month in 2026.
A strategic partnership with Dassault Aviation accompanies the funding, focusing on embedding AI into the Rafale F5 fighter jet and unmanned combat aerial systems.
Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said:
“Dassault Aviation has always placed technological excellence and sovereignty at the heart of its values. This partnership with Harmattan AI reflects our commitment to integrating high-value autonomy into the next generation of combat air systems. By joining forces with a fast-moving and innovative company, we reinforce our ability to deliver the advanced capabilities required by our armed forces in the decades ahead.”
Mouad M’Ghari, CEO and co-founder of Harmattan AI, said:
“This partnership with Dassault Aviation marks a decisive step in the emergence of a new generation of autonomous defense systems. Dassault Aviation’s trust and leadership accelerate our mission: delivering scalable, sovereign AI capabilities to allied forces. By combining frontier AI with world-class military aviation expertise, we are shaping the future of collaborative air combat.”
Harmattan AI partnered with Ukrainian drone maker Skyeton in 2025.
The startup aims to exhibit at the World Defense Show in Riyadh and grow its U.S. team.
