Shield AI :: Intelligent Autonomy Systems

Shield AI is a San Diego, California-based defense technology company founded in 2015 by former Navy SEAL Brandon Tseng and his co-founders Ryan Tseng and Andrew Reiter. The company’s mission is to protect service members and civilians through intelligent autonomy systems that deliver reliable performance in contested, GPS-denied, and communications-degraded environments.

Shield AI’s core technology is the Hivemind autonomy software platform, a best-in-class, combat-tested AI stack that functions as an “AI pilot” for aircraft and unmanned systems. Hivemind enables fully autonomous mission execution, real-time adaptation, and coordination between multiple platforms without constant human control. The software powers a range of systems and has been successfully tested on platforms including the U.S. Air Force X-62 VISTA, General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger, Kratos MQM-178 Firejet, and various teaming drones.

The company’s signature product is the V-BAT, a tactical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed for expeditionary ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and targeting missions. V-BAT features ducted-fan technology for superior safety and payload capacity (up to 40 lbs), a heavy-fuel engine for 12+ hour endurance, unassisted launch and recovery from small decks or rooftops, and proven performance in electronic warfare environments. It has been selected by the U.S. Coast Guard and deployed with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Shield AI also develops the larger X-BAT and integrates its autonomy software with third-party platforms.

Additional capabilities include the ViDAR optical sensor system, Edge OS, and various command-and-control tools. The company recently announced a major funding round and acquisition of Aechelon to expand its simulation and autonomy offerings. Shield AI emphasizes open-architecture design, rapid deployment, and integration with existing military networks.