Dassault carried out the first airworthy test of two AI algorithms on a Rafale fighter jet as part of work toward AI-enabled combat aircraft, the French aerospace firm announced on 22 September 2026. One algorithm was developed by Dassault Aviation, while the other was developed in partnership with French defence-electronics company Thales. Dassault has not revealed what the algorithms do or how they were tested, but said the “desired maturity level” had been achieved to bring the technologies to “a viability stage” regarding potential Rafale development programmes.
The programme’s purpose is to use artificial intelligence to assist pilots, not replace them. Ultimately, it may filter data from many sensors, recognise targets and threats, assign priorities and ease the pilot’s burden on a complex mission. It could also aid collaboration between traditional manned fighters and autonomous collaborative combat aircraft- known as loyal wingmen.
The move illustrates a wider industry push for human-machine teaming. The US has tested machine-learning software on a modified F-16 fighter aircraft, and Saab demonstrated AI running a Gripen E during air combat trials. With the Rafale, Dassault and Thales may keep the fighter relevant as air forces gear up for ever-more connected, software-driven wars. More tests are needed before the algorithms can go into an operational Rafale configuration.
