Shield AI

Shield AI is an American defense technology company that develops artificial intelligence software and autonomous aircraft for military operations. Founded in 2015 by brothers Brandon Tseng and Ryan Tseng along with Andrew Reiter, the company's mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its core product is Hivemind, an autonomy stack that enables aircraft to operate without GPS, communications, or direct human input in contested environments. Shield AI also manufactures the V-BAT, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and the Nova series of small reconnaissance quadcopters. In 2025, the company announced the X-BAT, described as the world's first AI-piloted VTOL fighter jet.

Shield AI's early breakthrough came with the Nova drone, which became the first AI-powered drone deployed for defense purposes in U.S. military history. The company expanded its hardware capabilities by acquiring Martin UAV in 2021, bringing V-BAT production to a larger facility in Dallas, Texas. Today, Shield AI employs around 900 people and operates offices in San Diego (headquarters), Dallas-Fort Worth, Arlington, Virginia, and international locations including Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, Kyiv, and Oslo. The company serves clients such as the U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and several allied nations.

Shield AI has raised over $1.1 billion in funding across multiple rounds, with a valuation estimated at $5.6 billion as of 2025. Its revenue for 2024 was approximately $267 million, according to third-party estimates. The company has been recognized in lists like Forbes AI 50 (2023) and American Dynamism 50 (2024). Shield AI positions itself as a full-stack autonomy company, differentiating from traditional defense primes by its software-led approach and from competitors like Anduril by its focus on AI pilots and aircraft rather than broad security platforms. [edit]