Search

Shield AI’s Autonomous Software Pilots Aerial Target Vehicle

Shield AI’s Autonomous Software Pilots Aerial Target Vehicle
The MQM-178 Firejet marks the sixth type of aircraft that Shield AI's "Hivemind" AI pilot has flown. The MQM-178 Firejet fills a variety of end-to-end weapons-release training roles as a jet target aircraft system, supporting surface-to-air and air-to-air engagements. Photo: Shield AI

Shield AI’s artificial intelligence-based software last week flew on and controlled the MQM-178 Firejet aerial target vehicle in multiple flights, marking the sixth type of aircraft piloted by the Hivemind product. Next up, Hivemind will fly the XQ-58 Valkyrie stealth combat drone—which is slated for later this year—followed by the BQM-177, which is an aerial target. The jet-powered Firejet, Valkyrie, and BQM-177 built by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions [KTOS]. “The collaboration between Kratos and Shield AI over these past…

Subscriber-only content. Please log in below.

Not a subscriber or registered user yet?

Please contact us at clientservices@accessintel.com or call us at 888-707-5814 (Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET.), to start a free trial, get pricing information, order a reprint, or post an article link on your website.



Congress Updates

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]


Appropriators Offer Skepticism On $350B Defense Reconciliation Plan, ‘Big Risk’ For Key Initiatives

Senate and House Appropriators told Pentagon leadership on Tuesday they’re skeptical of the department’s plan to fund $350 billion of the fiscal year 2027 defense budget through the reconciliation process, […]


All Future Systems Should Have Autonomy Features, Reed Says

Last week, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) visited North Kingstown, R.I.-based Senesco, which is teaming with autonomous systems company Havoc to bid on the U.S. Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. […]


Senate Appropriators Concerned With DoD’s Reconciliation Plan For Top FY ‘27 Priorities, Aide Says

Senate defense appropriators have concerns with the Pentagon’s decision to include key fiscal year 2027 funding priorities, such as critical munitions and drones production, among its request for $350 billion […]