Ukrainian drones are set to receive advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology from the French company Harmattan AI, significantly improving reconnaissance capabilities regardless of weather conditions.
This development addresses a major challenge in modern aerial reconnaissance: the reliance on visibility and weather factors. The SAR radar employs microwave radiation to generate detailed images of the Earth’s surface, enabling high-quality imaging in any weather, including rain, fog, or cloud cover.
Moreover, the effectiveness of the radar is not dependent on lighting conditions, allowing for reconnaissance operations both day and night.
The CEO of Harmattan AI highlighted that European manufacturers can learn from Ukrainian companies, which have developed a unique industry capable of adapting to battlefield requirements on a weekly basis since the onset of conflict in 2014.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the limitations of contemporary battlefields, particularly regarding electronic warfare conditions where radio communication or GPS navigation may be compromised. Industrial cooperation in this context not only holds commercial value but also technological significance in data collection and real-world analysis of modern warfare.
Special attention within this cooperation is directed towards studying electronic warfare conditions. The French side is particularly interested in gathering data on system performance when radio communication or GPS navigation is unavailable.
While the specific models of drones receiving this technology have not been disclosed, a strategic partnership between Harmattan AI and the Ukrainian aviation holding Skyeton was established in October 2025. This collaboration aims to integrate the French sensor technologies with the Ukrainian Raybird drone system, which is expected to be one of the first platforms to utilize the new radar technology, greatly enhancing its operational capabilities on the front lines.
Ukrainian drones will integrate advanced SAR radars from Harmattan AI, enhancing reconnaissance in all weather conditions. This partnership aims to leverage Ukrainian expertise in adapting to modern warfare challenges.