Shield AI has demonstrated its Hivemind AI pilot software flying two US Navy aircraft in a test exploring the future of AI-enabled air combat.
The demonstration took place at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California, where Hivemind piloted two Kratos BQM-177A aerial target drones during a capstone flight following months of testing.
In a live-virtual-constructive environment, the aircraft executed defensive maneuvers to defend combat air patrol positions against simulated threats.
Hivemind acts as an AI pilot, letting uncrewed aircraft sense, decide, and act during missions, adapting to threats instead of following fixed flight paths.
“This demonstration highlights Hivemind’s ability to operate as a low-risk, adaptable autonomy stack integrated onto a Navy platform,” said Christian Gutierrez, vice president of Hivemind Solutions at Shield AI, adding that the test reflects close collaboration between industry developers and operators.
The demonstration comes as military adoption of Hivemind expands.
The US Air Force recently selected the software for Anduril’s YFQ-44A drone under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to field AI-enabled “loyal wingmen.”
The effort reflects broader Pentagon experimentation with autonomous airpower, including DARPA’s LongShot program, developing air-launched uncrewed aircraft extending fighter range with forward air-to-air weapons.
