Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton and French defence technology company Harmattan AI have forged a strategic partnership, a move that could reshape the landscape of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in Europe and beyond. The collaboration aims to enhance Skyeton’s flagship Raybird UAS by integrating Harmattan AI’s advanced sensor technologies, delivering AI-powered capabilities for mission-critical operations.
This partnership leverages Skyeton’s nearly two decades of engineering expertise in unmanned aviation and Harmattan AI’s proven approach to autonomous and scalable intelligent robotics systems. The Raybird platform, already operational with over 350,000 combat flight hours and widely adopted by Ukrainian defence forces, will now incorporate Harmattan AI’s technology, industrialisation expertise, and European assembly capacity. The goal is to deliver AI-powered capabilities across a range of mission-critical operations, from deep reconnaissance to 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 defence capabilities and accelerating the Raybird’s adoption in key NATO markets such as France.”
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to strengthening defence cooperation in Europe. With France as a critical NATO ally, Skyeton and Harmattan AI aim to support collective security efforts and foster innovation in unmanned systems deployment. The integration of Harmattan AI’s technology will further enhance the Raybird’s adaptability and mission-readiness, offering governments and allied forces a reliable, scalable solution for modern defence challenges.
“This partnership reflects our mission to equip our allies with scalable and autonomous capabilities,” said Mouad M’Ghari, CEO & Co-Founder at Harmattan AI. “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. Together we are reinforcing the strength of NATO forces and contributing to the security of Europe.”
The Raybird UAS has already earned recognition for its long-endurance performance and versatility, making it a valuable asset for applications ranging from deep reconnaissance missions to border monitoring and disaster response. With the integration of Harmattan AI’s technology, the platform’s capabilities will be further enhanced, offering a robust solution for modern defence challenges.
This strategic collaboration highlights a growing trend in European defence technology partnerships, where countries are pooling resources and expertise to address evolving security threats. As both nations ramp up investments in military technology, the Skyeton-Harmattan AI partnership could serve as a model for future industrial collaborations across the continent. By combining their strengths, the two companies are not only enhancing operational readiness within NATO but also building a more resilient European defence framework.