French jet engine manufacturer Safran has announced the acquisition of AI firm Preligens for €220 million ($243.3 million), marking a strategic move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, particularly in its Electronics & Defense sector.

According to a press release issued on September 2, Safran plans to rebrand Preligens as Safran.AI. By integrating the AI firm into its Electronics & Defense division, Safran aims to accelerate the development of AI-driven products and services. Jean-Yves Courtois, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, highlighted that this acquisition will enable the company to deliver more reliable information and decision-making support for operators involved in surveillance and identification tasks within the defense and space industries.

Safran also intends to apply Preligens’ AI technologies to Industry 4.0 initiatives, such as automated image analytics, to help quality controllers identify anomalies in critical components.

Founded in 2016, Preligens has earned a strong reputation for its AI analytics solutions, particularly in processing high-resolution imagery, full-motion video, and acoustic signals. The company’s unique AI Factory allows for the development of cutting-edge AI algorithms, trained on vast datasets from diverse sources, ensuring end-to-end security and traceability.

Safran’s Commitment to AI Innovation in Aerospace and Defense

This acquisition strengthens Safran’s technological capabilities and reinforces its position as a leader in utilizing AI to transform the aerospace and defense sectors.

With its strong international presence, Safran is well-equipped to support Preligens’ global expansion, particularly in the US market. In a related effort, Safran Electronics & Defense launched its Advanced Cognitive Engine (ACE) AI system on June 19. ACE is designed to incorporate AI across all Safran Electronics & Defense products, improving situational awareness, decision support, and reducing the cognitive burden on field forces.

The use of AI in defense and aerospace has seen significant growth in recent years. Notably, 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. This milestone is seen as a precursor to the next generation of fighter jets, which may operate autonomously without human pilots.