Shield AI announced the successful autonomous flight of a BQM-177A target drone using its Hivemind autonomy software. According to Shield AI, the demonstration, conducted at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, represents a key milestone for the U.S. Navy’s efforts to integrate manned-unmanned teaming in high-speed air operations.

The test was part of the Experimental Platform for Intelligent Combat (EPIC) initiative, aimed at expanding autonomous capabilities in Navy aircraft. Shield AI worked with the Naval Air Systems Command’s Strike Planning and Execution Program (PMA-281) and Aerial Targets Program (PMA-208) to demonstrate Hivemind’s ability to control the drone autonomously, manage handoffs, and communicate with onboard systems. The demonstration also included integration with Kratos’ Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL), following Navy safety and airworthiness approvals.

Christian Gutierrez, Vice President of Hivemind Solutions at Shield AI, said the test shows the company’s ability to rapidly deploy autonomy on new platforms and deliver scalable, reliable solutions for operational use.

Shield AI acted as the lead systems integrator and mission autonomy provider, overseeing platform modifications, payload integration, and coordination across both industry and government partners. The demonstration also advanced compliance with the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA), a Department of Defense framework designed to enhance interoperability across autonomous military systems.

The successful test paves the way for the final demonstration later this year, moving closer to operational autonomy on fast-moving Navy aircraft.