On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Dassault Aviation, a major French aircraft manufacturer, announced that two sovereign algorithms—developed entirely in France without reliance on foreign components—have been integrated into the Rafale, France’s flagship multirole combat aircraft, for testing under real flight conditions. These algorithms, which have different origins, include one developed internally by Dassault and another developed in partnership with cortAIx, an AI accelerator established by Thales, a major French defense company known for its expertise in electronics and communication systems. The systems are described as a virtual co-pilot that does not have the ability to fire weapons. Dassault did not specify the exact functions of the algorithms, stating only that they aim to integrate an AI that is "mastered and supervised to serve the human crew." The AI is intended to sort and prioritize data on board the aircraft, helping the pilot make faster decisions while maintaining the pilot’s control over the aircraft and any firing systems. The AI systems are currently at a "level of maturity" sufficient for future developments of the Rafale, but the current announcement does not apply to the existing Rafale generations currently in use by the French military. Instead, the new AI systems are intended for future versions of the aircraft. The next step is the F5 standard of the Rafale, where the AI will be tested in actual missions. The current standard is the F4 version, with sub-upgrades F4.1 (2023) and F4.2 (2025). The upcoming F4.3 upgrade is currently being evaluated, but the significant technological leap is expected with the Rafale F5, described as a major breakthrough. Development of the F5 standard is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026, with deployment expected several years later. This means the AI components will be fully integrated only at the end of the decade. Dassault’s integration of AI into the Rafale continues a strategic direction focused on technological sovereignty. In late 2025, Dassault partnered with Thales to integrate AI into the Rafale, and in January 2026, the company invested in the French startup Harmattan AI, which is expected to contribute part of the digital brain for the Rafale F5. In July 2026, Dassault announced the initial test of collaborative combat between a Rafale and a drone, using the NAMIB payload for electronic warfare, developed in collaboration with Harmattan AI. These developments point toward a future where the Rafale will likely fly in joint missions with drones, all aimed at achieving greater autonomy and reducing reliance on foreign technology. The same cortAIx AI accelerator is also used in naval combat systems, where Thales supports Naval Group, a major French defense company. This pursuit of autonomy is also a response to the stalled European SCAF (Système de Combat Aérien Future) program, which has been marked by tensions between Dassault and Airbus. As European defense programs face delays and challenges, France’s focus on developing sovereign AI and advanced aircraft systems reflects its broader strategic goal of maintaining technological independence in defense.