Dassault Aviation Tests New AI Algorithms on Rafale Jets
News related to:Dassault Aviation · 1 min read
Dassault Aviation has successfully flight-tested two new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms on its Rafale fighter jets, marking a significant step in integrating advanced technology into its combat systems. The tests, conducted on September 22, 2026, in Saint-Cloud, France, demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its expertise in developing and integrating AI into its aircraft.
The first AI algorithm was developed by Dassault Aviation’s own engineers, while the second was a collaborative effort with Thales/cortAIx. These new functions are part of a broader initiative to integrate controlled and supervised AI into the cockpit, serving the human crew. The development of these algorithms has reached a level of maturity that makes them eligible for future Rafale upgrades.
The in-flight testing of these functions underscores Dassault Aviation’s expertise in handling several key challenges specific to military aviation. These include ensuring the availability and quality of operational data, leveraging and synergizing domain expertise, and optimizing resource efficiency on an embedded platform subject to stringent constraints. These challenges are at the heart of Dassault Aviation’s experience as an industrial architect and integrator of complex systems for decades.
Dassault Aviation has a long-standing history in the aerospace and defense industry. With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft, including 2,800 Falcons, delivered in more than 90 countries over the past 110 years, the company has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, production, sale, and support of all types of aircraft. In 2025, Dassault Aviation had about 15,000 employees and reported revenues of €7.4 billion.
These new AI algorithms represent a significant advancement in the company’s capabilities. By integrating AI into the Rafale, Dassault Aviation aims to enhance the fighter’s performance and operational efficiency, ultimately providing a more sophisticated and capable aircraft for its clients. The successful flight tests are a testament to the company’s ongoing investment in research and development, ensuring that its aircraft remain at the forefront of military technology.