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French jet engine manufacturer Safran announced today that it has acquired AI firm Preligens for €220 million ($243.3 million).
This marks a shift in expanding its AI capabilities, particularly within its Electronics & Defense business area.
The deal, detailed in a press release issued on September 2, reveals plans to rebrand Preligens as Safran.AI. By integrating Preligens into its Electronics & Defense division, Safran aims to accelerate the development of AI-enhanced products and services.
Jean-Yves Courtois, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, emphasized that this acquisition will enable Safran to provide more reliable information and decision support for operators in surveillance and identification tasks within the defense and space sectors.
Additionally, Safran plans to apply Preligens’ AI solutions to Industry 4.0, including automated image analytics to assist quality controllers in identifying anomalies in critical parts.
Founded in 2016, Preligens has built a reputation for its AI analytics solutions tailored to high-resolution imagery, full-motion video, and acoustic signals. Preligens’ unique AI Factory allows for the creation of state-of-the-art AI algorithms trained on vast datasets from multiple sources, ensuring end-to-end security and traceability.
Safran Commitment to AI Revolution in Aerospace and Defense
Safran’s acquisition bolsters its technological prowess and solidifies its position as a major player in harnessing AI innovation to transform the aerospace and defense sectors.
With a strong international presence, Safran is well-positioned to support Preligens’ global expansion, especially in the US market.
SAFRAN STATEMENT : ⏬
Indian DRDO Chairman Dr SV Kamat meets with Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of @SafranEngines, at facility where key parts of #M88 are produced. We are committed to #MakeInIndia 🇮🇳 by developing an aerospace ecosystem and supporting the co-development of a new engine… pic.twitter.com/4Zi3KLFFSE
— Alpha Defense™ (@alpha_defense) June 27, 2023
Meanwhile, Safran Electronics & Defense launched its Advanced Cognitive Engine (ACE) AI system on June 19.
ACE is designed to integrate AI into all Safran Electronics & Defense products, enhancing situational awareness and decision support and reducing cognitive load for field forces.
Notably, the use of AI in defense and aerospace is not a new concept, but it has gained significant momentum in recent years. In February 2023, an AI agent successfully piloted Lockheed Martin’s VISTA X-62A fighter jet for over 17 hours at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
The VISTA AI test flight is a precursor to the next generation of fighter jets, which may be capable of operating without human pilots.
