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In a context where theartificial intelligence plays a leading role in national defense, the army is enriching its expertise by installing 250 engineers near Rennes. This strategic choice is part of a broader effort aimed at integrating advanced technologies to improve cyber defense and develop tools adapted to military needs. With an emphasis on innovation and collaboration, this approach allows France to position itself as a major player in the transport sector.Defense AI. These constantly growing specialists will contribute to crucial projects such as vehicle recognition and aiming assistance, all in a dynamic inspired by start-ups.
The Ministry of the Armed Forces is deploying a new dynamic in the integration of artificial intelligence within Defense. With the creation of the Ministerial Agency for Defense Artificial Intelligence (Amiad), 250 new engineers will join, by 2026, the ranks of this agency located in Bruz, near Rennes. This massive investment in AI technologies demonstrates France’s desire not to be left behind in the global race, particularly in the face of powers like the United States and China.
Creation of Amiad: a strategic lever for France
Last May, the Ministry of the Armed Forces formalized the creation of Amiad to promote the use ofartificial intelligence in the Defense sector. Placed under the direction of Bertrand Rondepierre, former executive of Google and Thalès, the agency aims to be a central player in the development and implementation of AI technologies intended for the French army. The emphasis is on technological sovereignty, while many other countries are moving rapidly in this area.
With an annual budget of 330 million euros, Amiad will mainly benefit from Breton resources, with its facilities located in Bruz. The research and innovation university is being built on the site of the General Directorate of Armaments, specializing in “information control and cyber”, to strengthen its capabilities.
Objective: 250 engineers in Rennes by 2026
By 2026, Amiad aims to recruit 300 people, including 250 engineers based in the Rennes basin. Currently, around ten members are in place, but strong growth is expected. Managers plan to hire around 100 employees by the end of the year, with the same additional number in 2025. This recruitment challenge is important in a sector where competitiveness and innovation are crucial.
Lionel Morin, head of the DGA-MI, is delighted with this influx of engineers, which promises to increase the capacity for innovation and response to cyber threats. Staff already involved in the various AI projects within the DGA-MI will also join this new entity.
Targeted applications: recognition, decision support and more
Future teams will focus on various areas, including cyber defense, a sector where AI is already seen as essential. In addition to protection against cyberattacks, engineers will develop applications for vehicle recognition, aiming assistance for cannons, and the analysis of complex data sets.
Based on the real needs of the armed forces, Amiad adopts an approach inspired by start-ups. Collaborating with academic players and innovative companies in the local ecosystem, it will deploy AI solutions that meet the contemporary challenges of military operations.
New technologies to ensure French sovereignty
The implementation of artificial intelligence within the French army is also a strategic approach in the face of global competition. General Aymeric Bonnemaison recently highlighted the crucial importance of AI for cyber defense: without AI, it becomes difficult to maintain an effective defense against ever more sophisticated computer attacks.
France, through Amiad, thus seeks to maintain its capacity to protect its infrastructure and its territory, while guaranteeing that the technologies used respect the principles of national sovereignty. By investing in this innovative agency, the government is reaffirming its determination to remain at the forefront of advanced military technologies.
