Indian Army Advances Autonomous Capabilities with Shield AI Contract
In a significant move to bolster its technological edge, the Indian Army has entered into a contract with US-based defence technology firm Shield AI. The agreement, announced on Wednesday, involves the supply of V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and licenses for the company's advanced Hivemind autonomy software. This procurement, conducted under emergency provisions, marks a crucial step in India's ongoing efforts to deploy sophisticated autonomous military platforms.
Comprehensive Procurement Package
The selection encompasses the acquisition of V-BAT vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft, alongside the integration of Shield AI's proprietary Hivemind autonomy software into these platforms. Notably, the Indian Army will also receive licenses for the Hivemind software development kit. This kit is designed to empower the armed forces and their approved partners to develop and rigorously test mission-specific autonomy applications, fostering innovation tailored to operational requirements.
Hivemind: The Brain Behind Autonomous Operations
According to Shield AI, the Hivemind system represents a leap forward in autonomous technology. It enables defence platforms to independently sense their environment, make critical decisions, and execute actions in complex and contested operational theatres. The software is engineered to allow unmanned systems to dynamically adapt to evolving conditions, effectively avoid potential threats, and accomplish missions with minimal human intervention. The inclusion of the software development kit in this deal is strategically aimed at supporting the sovereign development of autonomous capabilities within India, with select Indian partners anticipated to leverage it to create bespoke solutions that address local operational needs.
V-BAT: A Versatile and Enduring Platform
The V-BAT itself is a Group 3 unmanned aircraft, distinguished by its ducted-fan design and vertical take-off and landing capability. This unique feature allows it to operate without the need for traditional runways. With an impressive endurance of over 12 hours and powered by a heavy-fuel engine, it is specifically designed for demanding intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in difficult terrain and high-threat environments. Its enclosed rotor and single-engine configuration further enable launch and recovery from confined locations, such as ship decks, rooftops, and remote forward areas. Shield AI emphasizes that the system is exceptionally well-suited to operations across India's varied geography, ranging from high-altitude regions to coastal areas, offering long-endurance surveillance capabilities with a significantly lower logistical footprint compared to larger drone systems.
Strengthening Indo-US Defence Industrial Ties
This contract builds upon an existing and growing industrial partnership in India. In December 2025, JSW Defence commenced construction of a state-of-the-art facility for next-generation unmanned aerial systems at Maheshwaram, near Hyderabad. This initiative is a key component of its collaboration with Shield AI. The facility is intended to support the domestic manufacturing of the V-BAT platform and is poised to serve as a global production hub. This development aligns seamlessly with India's broader strategic goals of defence indigenisation and self-reliance, reinforcing the nation's commitment to building a robust domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
