Verified Nov 2026
Electronics & Software
·
San Diego, California
·
Since 2015
Shield AI is a San Diego, California company founded in 2015 that develops AI-based autonomy software and autonomous aircraft for defense use. Its Hivemind autonomy software stack has been deployed in combat since 2018, and it also offers the V-BAT tactical unmanned aircraft system. The company is privately held, has an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 employees, and serves military and defense customers, including U.S. military commands and allied nations. In October 2026, it reported a $150 million U.S. Navy contract for X-BAT production.
Shield AI at a glance
Revenue
$500M-1B
Est. band
Employees
1,000-5,000
Founded
2015
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Import activity
5
Industries
Automotive
Electric Vehicles
Electronics
Military & Defense
Plumbing & Hardware
Industrial Equipment
Sourcing and import activity
From US customs bill-of-lading records
US sea imports
5
Named foreign suppliers
5
Top origins
China · Guam
Shared foreign counterparties do not establish that these companies buy from Shield AI.
What this tells a buyer
Shield AI announced in November 2026 that it plans to acquire radar maker Echodyne in a deal valued at $5.3 billion, according to Axios and Washington Technology.
The company's products include the Hivemind autonomy software stack, the V-BAT tactical unmanned aircraft system, the Nova AI-powered drone, and simulation technologies for training autonomous systems.
Shield AI is privately held with an estimated annual revenue band of $500 million to $1 billion, and it serves U.S. military commands and international allied nations.
Source: US customs bill-of-lading records and public filings · Last verified Nov 05, 2026
Overview
Shield AI is a San Diego, California company founded in 2015 that develops AI-based autonomy software and autonomous aircraft for defense use. Its Hivemind autonomy software stack has been deployed in combat since 2018, and it also offers the V-BAT tactical unmanned aircraft system. The company is privately held, has an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 employees, and serves military and defense customers, including U.S. military commands and allied nations. In October 2026, it reported a $150 million U.S. Navy contract for X-BAT production.
At a glance
Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
Founded | 2015 |
Headquarters | San Diego, California |
Employees | 1,000-5,000 |
Revenue | $500M-1B (estimated) |
Primary capability | Electronics & Software |
What Shield AI makes
The company's products include the Hivemind autonomy software stack, the V-BAT tactical unmanned aircraft system, the Nova AI-powered drone, and simulation technologies for training autonomous systems.
Products and capabilities described on the company's own site include LED (source: shield.ai).
Trade and customs footprint
Shield AI announced in November 2026 that it plans to acquire radar maker Echodyne in a deal valued at $5.3 billion, according to Axios and Washington Technology. US customs bill-of-lading records list 5 inbound shipments across 5 foreign suppliers, with top origins including China · Guam.
Latest developments
2026-11-05 — Shield AI plans $5.3B radar deal for Echodyne with $2.5B fundraise (axios.com)
2026-11-05 — Shield AI to acquire radar maker Echodyne in $5.3 billion deal - Washington Technology (washingtontechnology.com)
2026-11-03 — Shield AI plans $1 billion raise, further deals - Bloomberg By Investing.com (investing.com)
2026-10-08 — Shield AI and U.S. government investment in X-BAT reaches $400 million – Shield (shield.ai)
2026-10-08 — Shield AI secures $150 million contract with US Navy for X-BAT production - Puget Sound Business Journal (bizjournals.com)
2026-06-17 — Shield AI awarded U.S. Air Force production contract for Collaborative Combat Aircraft mission autonomy – Shield (shield.ai)
Facilities
Shield AI is headquartered in San Diego, California. Public sources also reference these locations:
Company details
Shield AI is privately held with an estimated annual revenue band of $500 million to $1 billion, and it serves U.S. military commands and international allied nations. Shield AI was founded in 2015, has an estimated 1,000-5,000 employees, and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Frequently asked questions
What does Shield AI make?
Shield AI is a San Diego, California company founded in 2015 that develops AI-based autonomy software and autonomous aircraft for defense use. Its Hivemind autonomy software stack has been deployed in combat since 2018, and it also offers the V-BAT tactical unmanned aircraft system. The company is privately held, has an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 employees, and serves military and defense customers, including U.S. military commands and allied nations. In October 2026, it reported a $150 million U.S. Navy contract for X-BAT production.
Where is Shield AI headquartered?
Shield AI is headquartered in San Diego, California (600 West Broadway, San Diego, California, 92101).
When was Shield AI founded?
Shield AI was founded in 2015.
How big is Shield AI?
Shield AI has an estimated 1,000-5,000 employees, with revenue in the $500M-1B range (estimated).
Does Shield AI import from overseas suppliers?
US customs bill-of-lading records show 5 inbound shipments for Shield AI, with top origins including China · Guam.
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Last verified Nov 2026. Is this your company? Request a correction.
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