Launched in July of last year, the HypAIRion program is backed by the Air and Space Force (AAE), the Amiad (Ministerial Agency for Defense Artificial Intelligence), and the DGA (General Directorate of Armaments). The initiative seeks to consolidate all artificial intelligence (AI) projects within the Air Force, aiming to modernize air combat. A notable part of this effort is the development of collaborative flight systems between combat drones and manned aircraft, with the goal of achieving operational capabilities by 2028. Colonel Cédric, head of the capacity development office at the AAE General Staff, explained that AI-powered "super drones" will enhance reconnaissance, force the enemy to reveal itself, and carry weapons. This will increase the survivability of piloted aircraft by reducing the need for them to engage in high-risk situations. The Ministry of Defense has outlined plans to test the first prototypes of these AI-enhanced drones by 2028. These drones are described as simplified fighter jets without human pilots and are expected to be significantly cheaper to produce. Their purpose is to provide the mass necessary for high-intensity combat, similar to what has been observed in Ukraine, where thousands of drones and missiles are exchanged monthly. Colonel Cédric noted that while the Rafale will continue to be the central asset in air combat, it will require complementary systems to remain effective. The piloting of this new platform will be managed by a sovereign AI, designed to assist the crew in performing tasks more efficiently and reactively. In parallel with the HypAIRion program, Dassault, a French aerospace company, announced on September 22 that it had successfully tested two new sovereign AI algorithms on the Rafale fighter jet. One was developed internally, and the other in collaboration with Thales/cortAIx. An AI system is already in use in the Talios designation pod, which is used on the Rafale for identifying and recognizing ground targets. This AI will be fully deployed with the armed forces by 2027, enabling the analysis of images to detect potential targets, track them, and classify vehicles that pose a threat. The HypAIRion program also faces the challenge of keeping pace with evolving threats. Colonel Cédric noted that future conflicts could involve equipment that is vastly different from what is currently in use, citing the Russian Geran drone as an example that has undergone several versions. To respond quickly, the Air Force is deploying laser-guided rockets on the Rafale for drone hunting, which have already been used in the Middle East and the Near East. To speed up this process, the Air Force plans to use open and modular aircraft designs, allowing planes to function like flying computers where components can be upgraded and software improved. Two Mirage 2000 aircraft at Mont-de-Marsan are being converted into AI test beds to explore specific applications starting at the end of the year. Most of these upgrades are expected in the future Rafale F5 or "super Rafale," as referred to by Dassault CEO Eric Trappier. The new version of the fighter jet, expected to fly from 2033, will have entirely new sensors and systems, including advanced computing capabilities to support AI integration. The HypAIRion program aims to define the characteristics of the future fighter jet by 2040. Colonel Cédric emphasized that the pilot will still have a role in the future, citing ethical concerns about leaving weapon use decisions to machines. Colonel Thibault, deputy director for the "use of artificial intelligence" at the Amiad, confirmed that replacing humans in military platforms is not a current priority, whether in air, naval, or land forces.