Mistral and Helsing, one of Europe's most valuable AI startups, have entered into a partnership to apply artificial intelligence technologies to warfare, Bloomberg reports.
The companies announced the collaboration on Monday, January 10, 2025, at the start of the AI Summit in Paris. In a statement, Mistral and Helsing said they will use computer vision to help defense systems "understand their surroundings, naturally interact with operators, and enable faster and more reliable decision-making in complex situations."
The two startups, which have common investors, did not disclose financial terms or provide additional information about the weapons systems they will be working on.
Helsing, based in Germany, has begun developing software for drones and other military equipment, including Eurofighter aircraft. At the end of last year, the company announced the development of its own attack drones. The startup also called on European countries to increase defense spending.
The French startup Mistral develops AI models that compete with products from OpenAI and Meta Platforms Inc. In January, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecorne said on French television that the French army would use Mistral software.
Previously, AI companies were cautious about defense, but now they are working more actively in this area. In December 2024, OpenAI entered into a partnership with defense contractor Anduril Industries Inc. to develop drone countermeasures. Last week, Google changed its AI ethics policy to allow work on weapons.