Digital data, the new sinews of war? The emergence of a military artificial intelligence market in France

This article presents early findings from a broader research project focused on ‘digital innovation’ in the military sector. Since Emmanuel Macron became president in 2017, the Ministry of the Armed Forces has prioritized the use of data generated by military equipment as part of its digital transformation. However, the market for large-scale, automated data processing has faced challenges, both organizational and technical. Based on a qualitative study conducted since 2019 (including 64 interviews and observations at various professional events), this article explores the difficulties in aligning supply and demand in this field, highlighting the important role of the State in these processes. The case of predictive maintenance for military equipment offers insights into the dynamics between key players, particularly between established defense companies and newcomers like GAFAM and start-ups.