Shield AI, a defense technology company, is making significant strides in developing cost-effective AI-powered military drones, with plans to produce them at scale by 2025. The company’s V-BAT drone, integrated with their Hivemind AI autonomy software, represents a major advancement in autonomous military capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional military aircraft. The article highlights how Shield AI aims to reduce the unit cost to approximately $500,000 to $850,000 per drone, making them significantly more affordable than conventional military aircraft that can cost hundreds of millions. The company’s approach focuses on combining autonomous capabilities with relatively simple hardware, enabling drones to operate independently in GPS-denied environments and make tactical decisions without human intervention. The V-BAT’s vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, combined with its AI system, make it particularly valuable for military operations in challenging environments. Shield AI’s success in securing contracts and funding demonstrates growing military interest in affordable autonomous systems. The development represents a significant shift in military technology, where AI-enabled drones could provide capabilities previously only available through much more expensive platforms. The company’s progress suggests a future where autonomous military systems become increasingly accessible to military forces, potentially changing the nature of aerial warfare and reconnaissance operations.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/affordable-ai-military-drones-shield-ai-2025-3