Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company developing autonomous systems powered by its Hivemind AI pilot — software that enables aircraft and drones to fly and fight without GPS, communications, or human direction. Founded in 2015, the company is valued at approximately $5.6 billion.

Shield AI's Hivemind is an AI pilot that can operate aircraft autonomously in contested environments where GPS jamming and communications disruption are common. The V-BAT autonomous drone, powered by Hivemind, is a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft deployed with the US Coast Guard ($198M IDIQ contract), Indian Army (~$35M), and military forces in the Netherlands, Romania, Indonesia, and Japan. The company is also developing Hivemind for crewed fighter aircraft.

Shield AI represents the militarization of autonomous AI — systems designed to make independent decisions in combat environments. The company's technology addresses a critical military challenge: maintaining air superiority when adversaries can deny GPS and communications that most drones depend on. Shield AI's growing international customer base and multi-billion dollar valuation reflect the rapid acceleration of autonomous systems adoption by militaries worldwide.