Shield AI, a defence technology company developing advanced autonomy software and aircraft, has successfully showcased its Hivemind platform to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD). The demonstrations, conducted in Himachal Pradesh from 12–14 August 2025, are a step toward MoD validation and pave the way for potential integration of Hivemind into V-BAT aircraft being considered for the Indian Army and Air Force.
During the trials, Shield AI used its Nova 2 quadcopter fitted with Hivemind to present mission autonomy in GPS- and communication-denied environments. Over three days of training and system demonstrations with Indian Special Forces, the platform displayed both fully autonomous and AI-assisted piloted operations.
“Autonomy will be decisive in the future of defence, and India has shown a clear intent to lead in this field,” said Sarjan Shah, Managing Director – India, Shield AI. “With Hivemind, we are offering tested, mission-ready autonomy capable of operating in the most challenging environments. These demonstrations mark an important milestone in supporting India’s vision for next-generation defence capabilities and indigenous innovation.”
Hivemind is Shield AI’s core autonomy software that allows unmanned systems to conduct complex missions without GPS or constant communication. Built for modular use, it is compatible with multiple platforms, including the V-BAT unmanned aerial system, the MQ-20 Avenger, and even manned aircraft such as the F-16.
The Nova 2 quadcopter, also used in the demonstration, is a next-generation platform built for confined-space and GNSS-denied operations. Insights from its integration with Hivemind have informed deployments on larger aircraft, reinforcing the software’s versatility and scalability.
These demonstrations confirm that Hivemind can integrate seamlessly across a range of platforms and execute sophisticated mission behaviours, underscoring Shield AI’s role in advancing India’s defence readiness. In November 2024, the company deepened its commitment to the region through a strategic partnership with JSW Defence Pvt Ltd to indigenize and begin manufacturing V-BATs in India.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defence technology company focused on protecting service members and civilians with intelligent autonomous systems. Its product portfolio includes the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and Hivemind Vision. Headquartered in San Diego, the company also has offices in Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, Abu Dhabi, Kyiv, and Melbourne, supporting operations for the U.S. and allied nations worldwide.
