France leads innovation in artificial intelligence for defence
During the Sommet pour l'action sur l'intelligence artificielleheld on 10 and 11 February 2025 in Paris, Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu outlined France's vision in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) applied to defence. He emphasised the importance of European and global leadership in this field, highlighting investment in advanced infrastructure and collaboration between academic and military institutions.
France is distinguished by its ability to design, produce and master advanced military armaments and technologies in-house, the possibility of train engineers and researchers of the highest level in the field of theoretical and applied mathematics, which is indispensable for the development of advanced algorithms, and finally, state-of-the-art computing skills in classified environments. These elements give the country a prominent position in the global race for military AI.
Applications and implications of AI in defence
AI has many applications in the defence sector: from strategic planning to logistics, from simulation for training to cyber defence. Particular attention is paid to assisted or autonomous weapon systems, which raise questions of ethics and sovereignty.
Minister Lecornu emphasised the need to establish a clear doctrine and sound ethics for the use of AI in the military. He emphasised the importance of maintaining human control over critical decisions and avoiding over-dependence on technology, which could lead to an uncontrolled 'flight forward'.
Investments and collaborations for the future
On 4 March 2025, Minister Lecornu inaugurated the research hub of theAgence ministérielle pour l'intelligence artificielle de défense (AMIAD) at the École polytechnique. On this occasion, an investment of EUR 15 million was announced for the construction of a defence institute dedicated to AI.
During the opening, a memorandum of understanding was signed between AMIAD and Mistral AIa leading French company in generative AI. This collaboration aims to develop advanced technologies to ensure France's technological sovereignty in the defence sector.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
