Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

Shield AI's cofounder says the US military needs 'more affordable, intelligent drones.' He thinks 'millions' could be built under the Trump administration.

Mar 19, 2025 - businessinsider.com
Shield AI, founded by former Navy SEAL Brandon Tseng, develops autonomous drones and AI-powered software for military applications. The company aims to provide affordable, intelligent drones to enhance military capabilities and reduce reliance on costly machinery. Shield AI's flagship product, the V-BAT drone, uses AI software called Hivemind to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions autonomously, even in contested environments. The company recently secured a $200 million contract with the US Coast Guard and has expanded its operations to Japan and Ukraine, reflecting growing global interest in cost-effective, autonomous military technology.

Despite the increasing demand for AI-driven defense solutions, ethical concerns persist about AI making life-or-death decisions on the battlefield. Tseng, who co-founded Shield AI in 2015, maintains that such decisions should remain human responsibilities, aligning with US and NATO policies. The defense tech sector is attracting significant investment, with companies like Saronic also experiencing rapid growth. As the US and other nations focus on military innovation, the push for autonomous, cost-effective solutions continues to gain momentum.

Key takeaways:

  • Shield AI is developing autonomous drones and AI-powered software for military use, emphasizing the need for affordable, intelligent drones to enhance military capabilities.
  • The company's flagship V-BAT drone, equipped with AI software Hivemind, can perform ISR missions in contested environments, even when communication systems are disrupted.
  • Global interest in cost-effective autonomous drones is rising, with significant deals in Japan and Ukraine, highlighting a shift towards more affordable military technology.
  • Despite the growing demand for AI in defense, ethical concerns persist about AI making life-or-death decisions, with Shield AI maintaining that such decisions should remain human-controlled.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!