Leonardo Selects Shield AI Hivemind for Proteus Rotorcraft

Oct 29, 2026
Leonardo will use Shield AI's Hivemind software to develop autonomy capabilities for its Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft.

Shield AI and Leonardo agreed to integrate Hivemind software with the Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft, Shield AI announced in a press release. Leonardo will use the Hivemind software development kit to create mission autonomy capabilities for rotary wing operations.

The planned applications include anti submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and contested logistics. Leonardo engineers will be able to develop, test and update autonomy software for Proteus, with possible use across other aircraft in the company's rotary wing portfolio.

Proteus is a vertical takeoff and landing technology demonstrator developed by Leonardo with the Royal Navy and UK Defence Innovation. It can carry a payload of about one tonne or two standard NATO pallets. The aircraft completed its first flight in early 2026 using autonomy software developed by Leonardo.

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