Shield AI to Acquire Echodyne for $5.3 Billion
Shield AI will acquire radar maker Echodyne in a $5.3 billion transaction and raise $2.5 billion to support the deal.
Shield AI is a defense technology company that develops advanced AI pilots for autonomous aviation applications. Their flagship technology, Hivemind, enables drones and aircraft to operate independently without GPS, communications, or human pilots, making it suitable for military and commercial uses.
Shield AI will acquire radar maker Echodyne in a $5.3 billion transaction and raise $2.5 billion to support the deal.
Leonardo will use Shield AI's Hivemind software to develop autonomy capabilities for its Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft.
Taiwan plans to operate 292 Shield AI V-BAT surveillance drones, including 12 already delivered to its coast guard and 280 planned for its navy.
Performance Drone Works is integrating Booz Allen mission autonomy software powered by Shield AI's Hivemind into its AM drones. Controlled testing began September 30, with general availability planned for the first quarter of 2027.
The US Navy added $150 million to its agreement with Shield AI for the X-BAT fighter aircraft. Shield AI will match the funding, bringing total public and private commitments to $400 million.
Shield AI selected Newton, Kansas, for X-BAT flight testing and fleet support, while Des Moines, Washington, will house aircraft production.
Shield AI’s X-BAT has been named the Official Autonomous Aircraft of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. The 2026 game will take place Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Shield AI has received a production contract from the U.S. Air Force to implement its Hivemind mission autonomy software for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, allowing multiple autonomous aircraft to operate together under human supervision.
Shield AI and Destinus have completed a successful flight demonstration in Spain, showcasing autonomous strike and teaming functions using the Destinus Hornet interceptor system powered by Shield AI's Hivemind software.
Shield AI has been chosen by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering to incorporate its Hivemind autonomy software into the LUCAS kamikaze drone program, enabling coordinated swarm operations.
Shield AI and Taiwan's Thunder Tiger Corp. have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software into Thunder Tiger's unmanned systems, starting with surface vessels and planning a demonstration this summer.
Jetstream Venture Fund has established an interest in defense technology company Shield AI, which develops autonomous aircraft powered by its Hivemind AI pilot software. The move strengthens Jetstream’s focus on technologies enabling autonomy across air and space sectors.
HII and Shield AI have successfully tested their integrated autonomy system on the ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel, marking the first maritime deployment of Shield AI’s Hivemind software.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have signed an agreement to collaborate on propulsion technologies for Shield AI's AI-piloted X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine with an advanced vectoring nozzle to power the aircraft.
Shield AI and Parry Labs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software with Parry Labs’ STRATIA platform and edge-compute hardware to support U.S. defense operations.
Shield AI has entered a Teaming Agreement with AIDC to enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities, focusing on autonomy integration and aerospace innovation.
Shield AI has introduced an upgraded version of its V-BAT drone, featuring advanced autonomy, SATCOM integration, and a heavy-fuel engine, according to a press release.
Shield AI has partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries to enhance AI-powered autonomy using Hivemind Enterprise, as announced in a press release.
Shield AI has announced a partnership with the Republic of Singapore Air Force and DSTA to enhance AI-powered autonomous flight operations using Hivemind Enterprise.
Shield AI has announced a leadership transition with Gary Steele set to become CEO on May 13, 2025, as stated in a press release. Ryan Tseng will transition to the role of President.
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