Report: France Taps Paris Startup to Deliver 1,000 AI-Enabled Drones

Paris-based defense tech startup Harmattan AI has been contracted by the French arms procurement agency to supply 1,000 AI-enabled drones.

The multi-million-dollar contract will be fulfilled for the French Army from October to December.

The unnamed quadcopter micro-drones will be used for training and operational preparation of French soldiers, including in the Orion 2026 multinational military exercise.

“This is more than a contract. It’s a strong demonstration of trust and a validation of our mission,” Harmattan AI CEO & Co-Founder Mouad M’Ghari said.

Drone Features

Developed entirely by Harmattan AI, the 1.8-kilogram (4-pound) platform is designed to be “autonomous, scalable, and combat-ready,” according to the French firm.

The unnamed drone has a range of 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) and an endurance of 40 minutes.

It is equipped with an electro-optical camera and can be fitted with an additional infrared camera.

“The solution is part of a broader trend toward software-defined, AI-enabled systems that accelerate decision-making and enhance operational flexibility in contested environments,” the French firm stated.

“Harmattan AI’s approach combines deep AI expertise with field-tested hardware and software engineering, as well as an industrialized production capability built for wartime resilience.”

Selection Criteria

Founded in April 2024, the company secured the contract just over a year into operations.

Harmattan AI outperformed many European companies in securing the contract.

In addition to low unit cost and rapid production capability, the drone’s selection was based on key technical performance criteria and pre-contractual tests, according to the arms procurement agency.

“We’re building next-generation defense technology that delivers battlefield relevance at unmatched speed,” M’Ghari said.

“In just over a year, we’ve gone from concept to prime contract. That’s the new standard we’re setting for the defense industry.”