Safran announces acquisition of AI-firm Preligens

Preligens; a company specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) for aerospace and defence, has officially joined Safran. The acquisition was completed for an enterprise value of €220 million (US$244 million). Preligens will be rebranded as Safran.AI and will become part of Safran Electronics & Defense.

Founded in 2016, Preligens specialises in AI analytics-solutions for high-resolution imagery, full-motion video, and acoustic signals. The company develops sophisticated algorithms and software that can automatically detect and identify military objects of interest, particularly using commercial and government satellite imagery. Its unique AI Factory enables the development, production, and integration of cutting-edge AI algorithms, trained on vast amounts of data from various sources and sensors, with end-to-end security and traceability.

This acquisition reinforces Safran Electronics & Defense’s commitment to AI, complementing its expertise in optronics, space communications, and inertial navigation. The integration of Preligens’ solutions will allow Safran to accelerate the incorporation of AI into its products and services, providing reliable information and decision support for operators in surveillance and identification within the defence and space sectors. Safran’s global reach will also bolster Preligens’ expansion, particularly in the US market, and support Safran’s broader digital transformation strategy. This includes applying Preligens’ AI technology to Industry 4.0, such as using AI-powered image analytics to assist quality controllers in identifying anomalies in critical parts.

Jean-Yves Courtois, CEO of Preligens, commented: “Joining Safran marks a new stage in Preligens’ development. We’re proud to be helping create a world-class AI centre of expertise for one of the flagships of French industry. The many synergies with Safran will enable us to develop new AI product lines and accelerate our international expansion, which is excellent news for our business and our people.”

Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, expressed his delight in welcoming Preligens to the group. He acknowledged the progress Preligens has made and emphasised Safran’s commitment to further developing their AI solutions. By combining strengths, Saudo stated that they aim not only to support Preligens’ AI advancements but also to explore entirely new applications of AI in aviation, defence, and space.