Ukrainian-French Pact: Raybird UAV Gets Advanced AI

Published Date : 5/10/2025 

Ukrainian aviation holding Skyeton and French defense company Harmattan AI have formed a strategic partnership to develop AI-powered unmanned aerial systems for the French market and beyond. 

Ukrainian-born aviation production holding Skyeton and French next-generation defense prime Harmattan AI have announced a strategic partnership. The aim is to develop unmanned aerial systems for the French market and other countries worldwide.

As part of the collaboration, Harmattan AI’s sensor technologies will be integrated into Skyeton’s Raybird drone. The Raybird has accumulated over 350,000 hours of combat flight experience. Combining this operational expertise with French technologies will enable the creation of AI-powered solutions for a wide range of missions.

Skyeton International CEO Pavlo Shevchuk noted that the cooperation demonstrates Ukraine’s desire to strengthen European security and promote Raybird to NATO markets, particularly in France. Skyeton previously integrated a laser illumination system for targeting guided munitions into the ACS-3 Raybird.

Blogger Yigal Levin published footage of the new system in combat use. During the operation, the system’s operator received data on targets in urban areas. Using a thermal imaging channel, the pilots detected heat-contrasting objects in one of the buildings, after which they decided to strike.

The partnership between Skyeton and Harmattan AI is a significant step in the advancement of unmanned aerial systems. The integration of advanced AI and sensor technologies into the Raybird drone will enhance its capabilities in various operational environments, from urban combat to surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Skyeton, a leading Ukrainian aviation company, has a strong track record in developing and deploying UAVs for military and civilian applications. The company’s expertise in drone technology, combined with Harmattan AI’s cutting-edge sensor and AI solutions, is expected to produce a highly capable and versatile unmanned system.

The Raybird drone, known for its reliability and performance, has been a critical asset in various military operations. With the addition of AI capabilities, the Raybird will be able to perform more complex tasks, such as autonomous target identification and engagement, real-time data analysis, and enhanced situational awareness.

This strategic partnership not only strengthens the defense capabilities of both Ukraine and France but also positions the Raybird as a leading UAV in the global market. The collaboration is a testament to the growing importance of international cooperation in the development of advanced military technologies.

As the Raybird continues to evolve with the integration of AI, it is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the security and operational effectiveness of NATO and other allied forces. The partnership between Skyeton and Harmattan AI is a significant milestone in the development of next-generation unmanned aerial systems. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of the partnership between Skyeton and Harmattan AI?

A: The main goal is to develop AI-powered unmanned aerial systems for the French market and other countries worldwide by integrating Harmattan AI’s sensor technologies into Skyeton’s Raybird drone.

Q: How many hours of combat flight experience does the Raybird drone have?

A: The Raybird drone has accumulated over 350,000 hours of combat flight experience.

Q: What is the significance of the laser illumination system integrated into the Raybird?

A: The laser illumination system is used for targeting guided munitions, enhancing the drone's precision and effectiveness in combat operations.

Q: How does the integration of AI improve the capabilities of the Raybird drone?

A: The integration of AI improves the Raybird's capabilities by enabling autonomous target identification, real-time data analysis, and enhanced situational awareness, allowing it to perform more complex tasks.

Q: What is the impact of this partnership on NATO and allied forces?

A: This partnership positions the Raybird as a leading UAV in the global market and enhances the security and operational effectiveness of NATO and other allied forces through the development of advanced unmanned aerial systems. 

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