France launches HypAIRion program for autonomous AI air combat

The French Air and Space Force, in collaboration with the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA) and the Defense Artificial Intelligence Agency (AMIAD), has launched the ‘HypAIRion’ program. This initiative aims to develop a sovereign, open, and modular AI architecture for next-generation aerial combat.

A key milestone of the program is the scheduled 2028 test involving coordinated flight between manned fighter jets and unmanned combat drones, often referred to as ‘loyal wingmen.’ To prepare for these tests, two Mirage 2000 fighters are being modified at the Mont-de-Marsan base with upgraded computing systems, with testing expected to begin in late 2026.

The program emphasizes national technological sovereignty by utilizing an open architecture. This approach allows the military to integrate various technologies from different companies without being locked into a single vendor. AI will assist pilots with mission planning, flight decisions, and post-mission analysis, though the French Air Force maintains that humans will retain final authority over weapon deployment.

Additional developments include the integration of AI-capable equipment, such as the TALIOS laser designation pod developed by Thales, which is expected to begin delivery in 2027. These advancements are intended to support future upgrades, including the Rafale F5, by enhancing data access, computation, and communication capabilities.