USAF Picks Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy Software for CCA YFQ-44A
AI Analysis
The US Air Force has selected Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software for integration into Anduril's YFQ-44A drone prototype under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. This AI-powered software enables drones to autonomously execute complex tasks and adapt to changing conditions during missions.
Key Takeaways
- USAF selects Shield AI's Hivemind for YFQ-44A drone prototype.
- Hivemind enables autonomous mission execution and adaptability.
- Anduril's YFQ-44A competes with GA-ASI's YFQ-42A in CCA program.
- Hivemind has been tested on multiple aerial platforms.
- The program aims to develop autonomous drones as 'loyal wingmen'.
Why It Matters
This development signifies a major step forward in integrating advanced AI technologies into military drone operations, enhancing the USAF's capabilities in autonomous warfare. The selection of Hivemind for the CCA program highlights the growing importance of AI-driven autonomy in future combat scenarios, potentially reshaping air combat dynamics by enabling drones to operate alongside manned aircraft with minimal human intervention.
USAF Picks Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy Software for CCA YFQ-44A [![Global defense news, analysis and opinion]]
- [Menu] [Americas] [Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion] [Technology] # USAF Picks Shield AI’s Hivemind Autonomy Software for CCA YFQ-44A [![Photo of Christine Casimiro]] [Christine Casimiro] February 16, 2026 1 minute read ![Anduril’s drone prototype for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, designated YFQ-44A.] Anduril’s drone prototype for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, designated YFQ-44A. Photo: Anduril [Facebook] [X] [LinkedIn] [Reddit] [WhatsApp] [Telegram] [Share via Email] [Print] [![]] The US Air Force (USAF) has selected Shield AI to supply its mission autonomy software for a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program drone prototype. Shield AI’s Hivemind is integrated into[Anduril’s YFQ-44A “Fury”] uncrewed aerial vehicle, one of the two competing aircraft alongside General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI) YFQ-42A for CCA Increment 1. It will support systems-level testing ahead of flight demonstrations in the coming months, following a competitive evaluation supporting technology maturity and risk reduction efforts for the program. Shield AI executives noted how the company spent over a decade working on Hivemind, as well as the technical and operational foundations, to deliver mission autonomy in real-world combat conditions. “The Air Force is moving with urgency to explore how autonomy can reshape air combat, and we have spent years preparing for this —building, testing, and flying mission autonomy in the real world,”[said] company CEOGary Steele. News of the USAF reportedly choosing Shield AI to equip the YFQ-44A with Hivemind, as well as[tapping RTX to provide a similar system] for GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A, circulated in September 2025.
Mission Autonomy
Powered by artificial intelligence, Hivemind functions like a human pilot or operator directing uncrewed defense systems to autonomously execute complex tasks during missions. The platform-agnostic digital brain is capable of rerouting around no-fly zones instead of simply following preplanned routes, avoiding or engaging obstacles, responding to unexpected conditions, and completing missions without human intervention. This makes it suitable for the USAF’s efforts in developing autonomous or semi-autonomous uncrewed aircraft to[fly alongside crewed fighter jets] as their “loyal wingmen” under the CCA program. Hivemind has been tested and integrated with several aerial platforms, including GA-ASI’s[MQ-20 Avenger] drone,[Airbus’ H145] helicopter, Destinus’[Ruta and Hornet] drones, and the US Navy’s[BQM-177A] target drone. Tags [Anduril]