Shield AI's new CEO says the $5.6B defense tech startup is ...
AI Analysis
Shield AI, a $5.6 billion defense-tech startup, has introduced a new autonomous fighter jet, the X-BAT, which utilizes their Hivemind software. The company is experiencing significant international business growth, indicating a pivotal moment in its trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT autonomous fighter jet.
- The X-BAT operates using Shield AI's Hivemind software.
- Shield AI's CEO highlights a shift to more than half of their business being international.
- Delays in purchasing decisions were noted due to an investigation.
- The company is at an inflection point in its development.
Why It Matters
The introduction of the X-BAT positions Shield AI as a significant player in autonomous military aviation, potentially influencing global defense strategies. The shift towards international markets underscores the growing global demand for advanced autonomous systems, impacting geopolitical military balances.
Shield AI’s new CEO says the $5.6B defense tech startup is at an inflection point | Fortune
Innovation Defense
Shield AI took its drones from the ‘Batcave’ to the battlefield. Now the $5.6 billion defense-tech startup’s new CEO says it’s at an inflection point
By
Jessica Mathews
Jessica Mathews
Senior Writer
By
Jessica Mathews
Jessica Mathews
Senior Writer
December 21, 2025, 7:00 AM ET
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Shield AI unveiled a new autonomous fighter jet it is has been building, the X-BAT, in October. The X-BAT will be flown using Shield AI's autonomous software, Hivemind.Courtesly of Shield AI
There are plenty of conventional indicators that signal that a product is turning heads: Weekly active user figures start to soar, products fly off the shelves, there is unsolicited praise.
“I suspect that this year, more than half of our business is international”
Gary Steele, CEO, Shield AI
“Many purchasing decisions were delayed as a consequence of that investigation”
Ryan Tseng, Chief Strategy Officer, Shield AI
“‘Move fast and break things’ is the wrong mantra when ‘things’ are people and escalation paths.”
Garrett Smith, CEO, Reveal Technology
About the Author
By Jessica Mathews Senior Writer
Jessica Mathews is a senior writer for Fortune covering transportation, defense tech, and Elon Musk’s companies.
See full bio
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