Dassault Flight-Tests Two AI Algorithms on Rafale

Dassault Aviation has flight-tested two sovereign artificial-intelligence algorithms aboard a Rafale fighter, one developed in-house and the other with Thales’ cortAIx unit. The systems are designed as controlled, supervised cockpit assistants to support—not replace—human crews, and Dassault said they are mature enough to be considered for future Rafale upgrades. The tests come as France weighs next-generation fighter options and seeks greater defense autonomy following the collapse of a Franco-German fighter project, while global arms makers explore AI for faster pilot decision-making and coordination with uncrewed wingmen. Dassault has also been testing Rafale-linked unmanned aircraft, including an electronic-warfare drone, as it develops a broader ecosystem of AI-enabled combat capabilities.