ARLINGTON, VA, July 3, 2025 – RTX and Shield AI have announced a partnership to integrate Shield AI’s autonomous technologies into specific RTX defense systems, including loitering munitions and sensors. The collaboration aims to provide autonomous capabilities for U.S. and allied defense applications, enhancing the performance of these platforms in contested environments. Autonomy is a priority in defense systems, supporting faster decision-making and reduced operator workload. This integration is expected to improve mission responsiveness in scenarios where communication and GPS signals are limited or denied.
RTX will integrate Shield AI’s Hivemind to field an operational weapon system using Networked Collaborative Autonomy (NCA). The technology is designed to enable coordinated operations across multiple platforms while supporting system resilience and maintaining weapon functions. The development is being jointly funded by the companies, without government investment.
“AI and autonomy continue to enhance the performance of our products,” said RTX chairman and chief executive officer Chris Calio. “In partnership with Shield AI, we will deliver critical new solutions that will create a competitive advantage for our customers.”
“RTX’s defense systems paired with Hivemind, which delivers mission autonomy for intelligent, collaborative operations, create powerful new capabilities for the warfighter,” said Gary Steele, CEO, Shield AI. “This collaboration reflects how the defense ecosystem is evolving – bringing the best of autonomy and hardware to bear on national security challenges.”
Shield AI will also integrate its Visual Detection and Ranging (ViDAR) software with RTX’s Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) to enable automated AI-based sensor autonomy against maritime and airborne swarm targets, with a focus on productization for MTS customers.
RTX and Shield AI are working together to develop autonomous defense systems aligning with DoD guidelines. Their focus includes system reliability, traceability, secure AI development, and governance.
Source: RTX
About RTX
RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, is a global leader in aerospace and defense, providing advanced systems, products, and services. The company specializes in aircraft engines, avionics, cybersecurity solutions, and defense systems, serving industries such as aerospace, defense, intelligence, and security. With a history spanning over a century, RTX combines expertise from its predecessor companies to drive technological advancements. Headquartered in Waltham, MA, the company generates annual revenues exceeding $60 billion and employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide. Its clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defense, Collins Aerospace, Airbus, and Boeing. RTX plays a critical role in advancing safety, performance, and efficiency in commercial and military applications. The company develops solutions that enhance security and mobility while addressing industry challenges across multiple sectors.
About Shield AI
Shield AI, founded in 2015 and based in San Diego, California, develops autonomous drone systems and AI software for defense and security applications. Its core product, the Hivemind autonomy stack, enables drones to operate without GPS or external communications. The company’s platforms include the Nova quadcopter and V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, used by branches of the U.S. military and allied defense organizations. Shield AI focuses on supporting mission-critical operations in contested environments where traditional navigation and communication systems are unavailable. The company employs more than 900 people and reported estimated revenue of $267 million in 2024. Shield AI has expanded through defense contracts, acquisitions such as Martin UAV, and multiple funding rounds, which brought its valuation to approximately $5.3 billion by 2025. Its work focuses on developing AI-enabled autonomy solutions for unmanned systems in defense and national security operations.