Shield AI says its Hivemind AI pilot just flew a drone vying to become a future Air Force uncrewed wingman
Business Insider
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Shield AI's Hivemind AI program has achieved a significant milestone by successfully piloting Anduril Industries' YFQ-44A drone during its first flight test in the Mojave Desert. This marks a crucial step toward advancing autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative, which aims to develop uncrewed aircraft capable of operating alongside manned fighter jets.
The Hivemind AI system, known for its real-time decision-making and adaptability in flight, demonstrated its ability to execute mid-mission updates and basic operational maneuvers during the test. This achievement underscores the potential of AI-driven autonomy in modern airpower, a capability that Shield AI has been developing for over a decade.
The collaboration between Shield AI and Anduril highlights a new approach to defense acquisition where AI is treated as a foundational technology on par with aircraft design. This partnership reflects the growing emphasis on integrating advanced software into military systems to enhance mission resilience and adaptability.
From a business perspective, this development underscores the strategic importance of investing in AI and autonomous technologies for defense applications. As the Air Force pushes forward with its CCA program, companies like Shield AI are positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of military aviation through innovative solutions that prioritize software-driven autonomy.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/25/2026