Preligens will be renamed Safran.AI and integrated into Safran Electronics & Defense.
Safran is set to ‘open up new areas of AI application in aviation, defence and space’ says Franck Saudo, CEO of safran on the safran acquisition of Preligens, a leading entity in artificial intelligence (AI) for aerospace and defense. The deal came up after the exclusive negotiation initiated in June 2024.
The Preligens acquisition was concluded with an enterprise valuation of €220 million. Post-acquisition, Preligens will be renamed Safran.AI and integrated into Safran Electronics & Defense.
Established in 2016, Preligens specializes in advanced AI analytics tailored for high-resolution imagery, full-motion video, and acoustic signal processing. The company is renowned for its sophisticated algorithms and software, designed to analyze and autonomously detect and identify objects of military interest using both commercial and government satellite imagery. Preligens operates a proprietary AI Factory, facilitating the development, production, and integration of cutting-edge AI algorithms trained on extensive datasets from diverse sources and sensors, with comprehensive end-to-end security and traceability.
Jean-Yves Courtois, CEO of Preligens, said, “Joining Safran marks a new stage in Preligens’ development. We’re proud to be helping create a world-class AI center 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.”
The integration of Preligens into Safran Electronics & Defense underscores Safran’s strategic focus on AI technologies. This merger is poised to accelerate the incorporation of AI into Safran’s product and service offerings. In defense and space applications, AI will enhance surveillance and identification processes, providing robust information and decision support for operational personnel. Safran’s global footprint will also bolster Preligens’ expansion, particularly within the US market.
Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Preligens to the Group. We recognize how far their teams have already come, and we’re proud to now be working with them to help further develop their AI solutions. By combining our strengths, we’re determined not only to support the development of Preligens’ AI solutions, but also to jointly open up entirely new areas of AI application in aviation, defense and space.”
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Furthermore, this acquisition will expedite Safran’s digital transformation, leveraging Preligens’ AI solutions to advance Industry 4.0 initiatives. Notably, AI-driven image analytics will enhance quality control processes by enabling automated detection of anomalies in critical components through digital imagery.
