France's Air Force Targets 2028 for Manned-Unmanned Teaming Flight as Part of Government-Controlled AI Initiative

Summary

The French Air Force, in partnership with the Directorate General for Armament and the Ministerial Agency for Defence AI (Amiad), has launched a program called Hypairion aimed at testing crewed fighter jets operating alongside combat drones by 2028, with a strong emphasis on developing sovereign, government-owned AI technology rather than relying on proprietary systems from private companies. The project prioritizes open and modular architecture that allows the French state to retain control over critical systems, including command and control functions and mission autonomy, while still enabling collaboration with both established aerospace firms and innovative startups. As an initial step, two Mirage 2000 fighter jets are being converted into AI test platforms at Mont-de-Marsan airbase, where early use cases will explore AI-assisted flight path optimization and tactical weapons deployment decisions. The program is closely tied to the development of the Rafale F5 standard, targeted for 2033, which will serve as a major mid-life upgrade focused on expanding hardware capabilities, system openness, and AI integration to help pilots manage increasingly complex cognitive demands in combat. French officials have been clear that human judgment will remain central to all operational and weapons deployment decisions, with AI serving as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement for human decision-making.