Mistral rejects Pope Leo criticism of AI military use
Mistral AI defended its military applications and announced a new French data center, while rejecting Pope Leo’s call for AI warfare restrictions, citing adversaries' use of AI. The company plans a €4 billion expansion, including 10 MW computing power in Les Ulis by 2026, and aims to serve Airbus in defense, commercial, and space sectors.
Mistral AI, Europe’s leading AI firm, defended its military applications on May 28, countering Pope Leo’s recent warning against AI in warfare. CEO Arthur Mensch argued that Europe needed its own AI capabilities due to adversaries’ use of the technology, stating, 'As long as we have adversaries that are threatening, we do need to have our own capabilities.' The company announced plans to build a new data center in Les Ulis, France, with 10 megawatts of computing power by late 2026. This move is part of a €4 billion investment strategy, aiming to expand total capacity to 200 megawatts by 2027 and 1 gigawatt by 2030, complementing existing facilities in Sweden and France. Mistral also revealed new customers, including Airbus across defense, commercial, and space sectors. The expansion aligns with Europe’s push for technological independence amid growing public unease about AI. Mensch acknowledged societal concerns but dismissed excessive anxiety, stating, 'It’s not the first time people are a bit anguished at something coming up. We’ll find a way to use it efficiently.' The company’s growth strategy reflects its commitment to competing with U.S. tech giants while addressing global security challenges.
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