Ukrainian aerospace firm Skyeton has partnered with French defense company Harmattan AI to push the Raybird unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) into a new era of smart autonomy and data-driven warfare.
The collaboration focuses on integrating Harmattan AI’s advanced military sensor and autonomous tech into the Raybird, a combat-proven drone already central to Ukraine’s defense operations.
Backed by nearly two decades of engineering expertise and more than 350,000 combat flight hours, the Raybird has earned its reputation for long-endurance performance and battlefield versatility.
It can support missions such as deep reconnaissance, border security, search and rescue, and disaster response.
Harmattan AI adds its experience in intelligent robotics, industrialization, and European assembly, bringing both technical depth and production muscle to the partnership.
Together, the companies aim to deliver AI-powered, scalable unmanned aerial system capabilities for governments and allied forces conducting mission-critical operations.
Raybird Specifications
The Raybird ranks among Ukraine’s most capable long-endurance UAVs, pairing a lightweight airframe with notable range and altitude performance.
It has a maximum takeoff weight of 23 kilograms (50 pounds) and a wingspan that can be configured between 2.96 and 4.2 meters (9.7 to 13.8 feet).
Powered by a fuel-efficient propulsion system, the drone can cruise at speeds between 80 and 140 kilometers per hour (50 to 87 miles per hour).
It also incorporates a fully automated launch and recovery system, deploying via mechanical catapult and returning safely under parachute onto an airbag.
Boosting Defense Cooperation
Beyond the technical collaboration, the deal underscores growing defense ties between France and Ukraine, reflecting shared priorities in strengthening European and NATO security.
With France serving as a key NATO ally, the alliance signals a broader push to modernize the region’s unmanned arsenal and expand its ability to field autonomous platforms at scale.
“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to working hand-in-hand with trusted allies to address today’s security challenges,” said Pavlo Shevchuk, international CEO of Skyeton.
“By joining forces with Harmattan AI, we are reinforcing Europe’s defense capabilities and accelerating the Raybird’s adoption in key NATO markets such as France.”
