Airbus has signed a partnership agreement with Mistral AI as the aerospace group expands its use of artificial intelligence across commercial aviation, helicopters, defence and space programmes.

The agreement supports Airbus' ambition to embed trusted and secure AI throughout its operations, from aircraft design and engineering through to manufacturing, military applications and future on-board systems.

Under the partnership, Airbus will license Mistral AI's full product suite, allowing models to be deployed across on-premises infrastructure, trusted cloud environments and other secure platforms. Airbus will also gain access to Mistral AI researchers and influence over future product development, helping shape bespoke solutions for aerospace requirements.

The companies have already begun exploring a range of applications. In industrial operations, AI is being used to streamline complex workflows and automate the production of technical documentation for aircraft and helicopter programmes.

Engineering teams are also assessing AI-driven simulations and optimisation tools that could accelerate development cycles and support certification activities. Beyond manufacturing and design, Airbus and Mistral AI are investigating the deployment of AI models aboard aircraft and spacecraft, including object-recognition capabilities intended to improve situational awareness and flight safety.

The partnership also extends to sovereign defence applications, where highly secure deployments could support cyber investigations and software development tasks.

“This partnership paves the way for the deployment of high-impact, high-value use cases of trusted and responsible AI in aerospace,” says Catherine Jestin, Executive Vice President Digital at Airbus. “Thanks to the high-performance models and made-to-measure support of Mistral AI experts, we are building the foundations necessary to power our current and future products and services, enabling us to serve our customers better.”

“We are proud to partner with Airbus and contribute to its critical industrial operations,” adds Timothée Lacroix, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Mistral AI. “Together, we will deploy Mistral's fully integrated AI stack to accelerate innovation, contribute to improve flight safety, and deliver greater value for customers.”