DGA

Artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies have taken a predominant place in the field of defense, and the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) positions itself as a central player in this domain. With a constant commitment to technological innovation, the DGA plays a key role in supporting and developing advanced solutions to enhance France's defense capabilities.

General Presentation of the DGA

The DGA is an institution under the aegis of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, primarily responsible for managing armament programs for the French armed forces. It also oversees the research, development, and acquisition of defense systems, while ensuring the integration of innovative technologies into these systems. With a mission to guarantee technological sovereignty and national security, the DGA collaborates closely with companies, research laboratories, and other governmental institutions.

Areas of Expertise and Main Achievements

The DGA excels in several technological domains, including cybersecurity, information systems, and artificial intelligence. It has been at the forefront of developing innovative projects such as GAIA-X, a European initiative aiming to create a sovereign data infrastructure. Furthermore, it has contributed to the ARTEMIS.IA project, a massive data processing platform for the Ministry of the Armed Forces, enabling the secure exploitation of data in critical applications.

Recent Contributions and Notable Projects

Recently, the DGA has been involved in several large-scale projects. The TORNADE project, awarded to Preligens, illustrates the DGA's commitment to integrating AI into satellite data processing for military intelligence. This €240 million contract over seven years will enhance the speed and accuracy of analyses in a national security context.

Another significant project is FURIOUS, developed with Safran Electronics & Defense, focusing on ground robotics for the armed forces. This Science and Technology Program (STP) aims to create autonomous robotic demonstrators for various operational environments.

Position in the Technological Ecosystem

The DGA is at the heart of the defense technology ecosystem in France. It collaborates with a wide range of partners, from large companies like Thales and Atos to innovative SMEs and startups. These collaborations are reinforced by initiatives such as the "Challenge AI & Cyber" competition, which encourages the development of AI-based cybersecurity solutions.

Moreover, the DGA plays a strategic role in the European Cyber Week, a major event that brings together defense and cybersecurity experts to share knowledge and explore new technological avenues.

Recent Developments and News

In 2025, the DGA continues to strengthen its capabilities in defense technologies. It has recently contributed to the launch of GenIAl.intradef, a secure generative AI for the Ministry of the Armed Forces, developed in partnership with several governmental agencies. This platform aims to optimize the daily tasks of agents while ensuring data sovereignty.

The DGA is also involved in the DEEL project, a transatlantic collaboration aimed at developing reliable and certifiable AI for critical systems in aerospace. This project illustrates the DGA's commitment to collaborative innovation and cutting-edge research.

In conclusion, the DGA continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution and implementation of advanced technologies for national defense. Through its commitment to innovation and collaboration, it ensures that France remains at the forefront of technological capabilities and national security.