Skyeton and Harmattan AI Join Forces to Elevate European UAS Capabilities
Ukrainian drone maker Skyeton and France’s Harmattan AI are teaming up to enhance the Raybird UAS with AI-powered capabilities, marking a new phase in European defense innovation and NATO cooperation.
PARIS — In a move underscoring Europe’s accelerating drive toward autonomous defense technologies, Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton and French defense technology firm Harmattan AI have announced a strategic partnership to enhance the Raybird unmanned aerial system (UAS) for deployment in France and across international markets.
The collaboration brings together Skyeton’s battle-proven Raybird platform, which has logged more than 350,000 combat flight hours in Ukraine, with Harmattan AI’s advanced sensor and autonomy suite, aiming to deliver AI-powered mission capabilities for reconnaissance, border surveillance, and disaster response.
“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to working hand-in-hand with trusted allies to address today’s security challenges,” said Pavlo Shevchuk, International CEO of Skyeton. “By joining forces with Harmattan AI, we are reinforcing Europe’s defense capabilities and accelerating the Raybird’s adoption in key NATO markets such as France.”
AI-Enhanced Capabilities for NATO Allies
Under the agreement, Harmattan AI will integrate its intelligent sensor systems and autonomy algorithms into the Raybird platform, expanding its adaptability across complex mission sets. The joint effort also leverages European assembly capacity and industrial expertise, enabling scalable production for allied forces.
The enhanced Raybird will deliver long-endurance flight performance, multi-domain situational awareness, and autonomous mission execution, positioning it as a next-generation ISR platform for NATO members seeking proven, AI-integrated UAS solutions.
Strengthening Europe’s Defense Ecosystem
The partnership reflects a broader shift toward cross-border defense innovation among European allies, spurred by the war in Ukraine and rising demand for sovereign capabilities. France, as a key NATO member and defense industrial hub, offers a strategic gateway for Skyeton’s entry into Western European markets.
“By combining Harmattan AI’s unique portfolio of sensors with Skyeton’s battle-proven Raybird UAS, we are giving armed forces the ability to deploy intelligence where and when it matters most,” said Mouad M’Ghari, CEO and Co-Founder of Harmattan AI. “Together we are reinforcing the strength of NATO forces and contributing to the security of Europe.”
From Battlefield Proven to AI-Driven
Originally developed in Kyiv, the Raybird UAS has become a cornerstone of Ukrainian defense operations, supporting deep reconnaissance, artillery correction, and battlefield surveillance. Its integration with Harmattan’s AI stack marks a significant evolution — shifting the system from operator-driven missions toward autonomous decision support and data fusion.
The move also signals growing European-Ukrainian defense integration, as Kyiv’s wartime experience informs NATO’s modernization efforts. With the partnership, both companies aim to expand production, standardize AI capabilities, and align with European procurement frameworks.
A Model for Allied Cooperation
Analysts say the collaboration exemplifies the new defense-industrial alignment in Europe, where combat-proven systems are paired with emerging AI technologies to meet the operational demands of modern warfare.
“This is more than a commercial agreement,” said a Paris-based defense expert. “It’s a blueprint for how European and Ukrainian companies can co-develop scalable, sovereign capabilities that strengthen NATO’s technological edge.”
As the battlefield increasingly favors autonomy and endurance, the Raybird-Harmattan alliance could set a precedent for next-generation UAS cooperation — blending frontline experience with artificial intelligence to secure Europe’s skies.
