France’s Thales, Europe’s largest defense technology firm, has called for a unified international framework to govern the development of artificial intelligence in the military sector. Speaking during a presentation of war-fighting technology amid debates over the speed of AI development, CEO Patrice Caine emphasized that machines on the battlefield can be kept under control through adequate technical safeguards supported by government oversight.
According to the head of Thales, the issue of AI safety has moved beyond purely technical discussions and requires decisive steps from governments worldwide. As artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in modern combat operations—analyzing data from drone footage and satellite imagery to help commanders make faster decisions—European manufacturers have actively sought alternatives to U.S. technologies, as reported by The Economic Times.
Previously, NATO selected the Maven Smart System from U.S. analytics giant Palantir for headquarters operations, raising concerns in Europe over dependence on U.S. technology and the potential risk of services being pulled. In response, Thales showcased its own sovereign command and control (C2) system, Hexaforce, which is free from U.S. ITAR export controls. Meanwhile, Germany has also initiated an evaluation of alternative digital tools for its military.
