Gary Steele

CEO at @shieldaitech. Runner and art collector.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Pleased to welcome Matt Ofilos to Shield as our Chief Financial Officer! His extensive leadership experience will be a valuable addition as we scale into our next phase of growth.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

Welcome to Matthew Ofilos, our new Chief Financial Officer!

Matt Ofilos brings 25 years of finance leadership from @RTX_News, @AWS, and @ParsonsCorp, with deep experience in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and defense contracts. He now leads our finance organization as we scale production and grow our programs worldwide.

“Shield has the vision, culture, and momentum to be a leader in the defense technology industry,” Matt said. “I’m excited to join @garylsteele and Shield’s mission-focused team as we accelerate our growth to meet global demand.”

Full release: https://t.co/RyKyFqW2xX

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

@EchodyneCorp's C-UAS and multi-domain radar technology will be a valuable addition to @shieldaitech, accelerating delivery of multi-mission capabilities to customers in today's hybrid threat environment.

This acquisition builds out the third unit of our next-generation defense technology approach: autonomy software, autonomous systems, and mission systems. It also brings us to a $28.8B valuation, over double where we were in June of this year.

Looking forward to what's next with Echodyne.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

Shield is acquiring Echodyne to expand our Mission Systems business with software-defined radars, engineering expertise and manufacturing capacity.

The $5.3B transaction is supported by a $2.5B raise, including Series H funding at a $28.8B valuation, and will accelerate our efforts to meet growing demand for multi-mission capabilities.

Echodyne’s industry-leading technology is used in hundreds of counter-drone and security systems worldwide, where it helps track drones, secure airspace, and protect people and infrastructure.

Full release: https://t.co/y2R7LxRZ0Y

Funding includes a structured equity investment from @Blackstone and a Series H co-led by @disruptivetech and Innovation X Capital, with participation from @adventintl, the Strategic Investment Group of JPMorganChase's Security and Resiliency Initiative, @SnowpointVC, Apandion, Center15 Capital, and others.

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Great to sit down with @tsgiles to discuss X-BAT's first full-scale prototype and where @shieldaitech is headed next. Our international partners are central to that, and we're committed to delivering trusted capabilities that they can control.

Thank you @BloombergLive for hosting the conversation.

[Bloomberg Live @BloombergLive]

“There is a tremendous amount of capital, private capital, that is being put to work towards these problems.”

@shieldaitech CEO Gary Steele speaks with @business’s @tsgiles on how private investment is closing the gap in modern drone warfare. #BloombergTech

Watch the conversation here⏯️
https://t.co/RuSDNFhsJj

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

X-BAT just reached $400 million in funding. The @USNavy has committed $200 million, and we are matching it with $200 million of our own. I'm proud of the team that got us here, and looking forward to flight testing later this year.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

The @USNavy and Shield AI have committed $400 million to advance X-BAT toward flight testing.

The Navy’s latest $150 million modification supports Defense Exportability Features, building exportability and technology protection into X-BAT early in its development. Shield AI is matching that amount.

Along with a separate $50 million Navy and @DIU_x action announced in August, the two funding actions total $200 million in government support and $200 million in Shield AI investment.

Shield AI and key suppliers now have 500 engineers building the flight-test aircraft. Flight testing begins this year.

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Excited to announce two big updates on X-BAT development. X-Forge 3, in the Seattle area, will be our new production hub. X-Forge 2, in Newton, Kansas, will be the flight testing and sustainment home. We selected these regions for their decades of history in aerospace and the talent that comes with it.

Together, these sites are projected to support about 9,800 American jobs by the early 2030s. Thank you to our partners in Newton/Harvey County and Des Moines for helping us get here.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

X-BAT is putting down roots in two of America’s strongest aerospace regions.

X-Forge 2 in Newton, Kansas, will be X-BAT’s flight test and sustainment home. X-Forge 3 in Des Moines, WA will be our first production site in the Puget Sound region, with plans to expand our footprint there as X-BAT production grows.

Together, the Newton and Puget Sound regions are projected to support close to 10,000 jobs by the early 2030s and add nearly $80 billion to their economies through 2046.

Built in Washington. Flown and sustained in Kansas.

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Looking forward to Bloomberg Tech London, where I’ll discuss how defense technology is helping shape the AI crossroads across scale, safety, and sovereignty.

[Bloomberg Live @BloombergLive]

#BloombergTech London welcomes CEO @shieldaitech, @garylsteele to the 2026 lineup of speakers.

Learn more here
https://t.co/FY9D9ZLc8c

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

An important step forward for Hivemind and for the future of autonomy in space. Proud to partner with Sedaro and NOVI on this milestone.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

Hivemind's first flight in orbit.

Onboard a NOVI Space satellite in low Earth orbit, Hivemind integrated with Sedaro’s Autonomy Framework for the Edge (SAFE), demonstrating trusted satellite autonomy capabilities.

Hivemind made autonomous mission decisions while SAFE provided mission assurance, showing how autonomy can help operators move from managing a single satellite to coordinating fleets at scale. The demonstration also proved that Hivemind can operate on existing satellites not originally designed for autonomy.

Full release: https://t.co/NVeh0pnofL

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Today, we announced that Aechelon, one of the most trusted simulation companies in defense, will join Shield AI.

It’s an exciting step forward for us, and it also reflects where defense is headed. Expanding our simulation technology enables us to test, iterate, and refine software in real time. Bringing that capability alongside our Hivemind software will accelerate development and increase confidence in every autonomous system we deliver to warfighters.

This acquisition is in part possible because we are raising $2B at a $12.7B valuation. In less than a year at Shield, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the pace at which this team is scaling in our mission impact. Our mission is to protect service members and civilians. With a great team, strong partners, and committed investors, we’ve been able to translate that mission into real-world impact and deliver combat-proven autonomy across the globe.

I recently sat down with @m_delamerced at @nytimes @dealbook to discuss what this next chapter looks like for Shield AI. Our new valuation reflects not only the results we’ve delivered for customers already, but the impact we believe is still ahead.

Read the NYT article: https://t.co/1R8lzXE5iH

[Shield @shieldaitech]

Shield AI to acquire Aechelon and raise $2B at $12.7B valuation.

We’re accelerating the shift in how defense systems get built: increasingly shaped in software, trained in simulation, and improved through use.

Aechelon, a Sagewind portfolio company, is one of the most trusted simulation companies in defense. Their technology is used to model real-world environments and test systems before they fly. Bringing that capability together alongside Hivemind connects how autonomy is trained with how it performs in the field, helping customers move faster and field capability with greater confidence.Shield AI to acquire Aechelon Technology Inc. and raise $2B at $12.7B valuation.

We’re accelerating the shift in how defense systems get built: increasingly shaped in software, trained in simulation, and improved through use.

Aechelon, a Sagewind Capital portfolio company, is one of the most trusted simulation companies in defense. Their technology is used to model real-world environments and test systems before they fly. Bringing that capability together alongside Hivemind connects how autonomy is trained with how it performs in the field, helping customers move faster and field capability with greater confidence.

Read more:  https://t.co/2lpEYLrUHi

Led by @adventintl and co-led by JPMorganChase’s Strategic Investment Group, with participation from @blackstone, @SnowpointVC, Innovation X Advisors, Riot Ventures, @disruptivetech, Apandion, and others.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

Expanding autonomy across European platforms.

Hivemind completed its first autonomous flight on the @DestinusDefence Hornet UAV in Spain, moving from integration to flight in under 60 days. The test shows how our autonomy can be quickly integrated onto European-built platforms and perform in the real world.

“Speed of fielding matters in today’s threat environment. The modular architecture of Hivemind allowed straightforward integration with our flight control and mission systems.” - Tim Moser, Destinus CTO

Read more here: https://t.co/bAVGT37TRR

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Had a great conversation with @jimcramer on @MadMoneyOnCNBC last week about the role autonomy will play in the future of defense.

The character of warfare is changing quickly. Autonomous systems with humans in the loop will be essential to helping militaries operate in contested environments, multiply force, and strengthen deterrence.

At @shieldaitech, we are focused on delivering these capabilities today and getting them into the hands of warfighters.

Always good catching up with Jim!

https://t.co/3MXWP5oNne

[Shield @shieldaitech]

“For decades, we owned the skies because our platforms, our training, and our operational concepts set the pace. That edge has eroded as near-peer adversaries have built modern fighters and layered air defenses. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), unmanned wingmen teaming with legacy fighters, change the math by delivering the affordability, scale, survivability, and flexibility we need to restore and maintain overmatch.”

Billy Ray Bradley, Director of @usairforce Air Dominance Accounts at Shield AI, highlights the importance of the U.S. Air Force separating autonomy software from hardware for the first time by selecting Hivemind as a mission autonomy provider for its CCA program aboard @anduriltech's YFQ-44A in our latest blog. As a former F-16 Commander and Weapons Officer, he knows firsthand the future of air dominance depends on affordability, scale, survivability, and operational flexibility. Decoupling software from hardware is how we get there.

Read the full blog: https://t.co/nx4TYtEc7Q

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Ryan Tseng @rtsengusa]

Products should create “holy shit” moments.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

On CNBC: Software just took center stage in airpower

Our CEO @garylsteele joined @CNBC's @MorganLBrennan to talk about the @usairforce selecting Hivemind to power mission autonomy for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

For the first time, the Air Force chose mission autonomy software independently from the aircraft itself. That decision recognizes software as foundational for modern airpower. Decoupling autonomy from hardware makes systems easier to integrate, faster to field, and simpler to upgrade over time – all without redesigning the airframe.

Watch the full interview:  https://t.co/zpZxtugudh

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

I am excited to finally share that the @usairforce has selected Hivemind as a mission autonomy provider for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The Air Force’s selection marks the first time mission software and aircraft have been decoupled in the acquisition process — recognizing autonomy software as a foundational warfighting capability, on par with the aircraft itself. Software-led autonomy is changing the economics of airpower, and our team at Shield AI is honored to stand alongside the Air Force as they usher in the next era of airpower.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

The U.S. Air Force just made autonomy software as important as the aircraft.

The @usairforce selected Hivemind for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, the first time mission autonomy software has been decoupled from the aircraft. Hivemind has successfully integrated on @anduriltech’s Fury (YFQ-44A) aircraft and is supporting system-level testing in preparation for upcoming flight demonstrations.

Read the full press release here: https://t.co/S1VRujdl1p

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

The U.S. Air Force just made autonomy software as important as the aircraft.

The @usairforce selected Hivemind for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, the first time mission autonomy software has been decoupled from the aircraft. Hivemind has successfully integrated on @anduriltech’s Fury (YFQ-44A) aircraft and is supporting system-level testing in preparation for upcoming flight demonstrations.

Read the full press release here: https://t.co/S1VRujdl1p

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

Armenia selects V-BAT in its first-ever foreign military sale

Our team joined U.S. Vice President @JDVance and Prime Minister @NikolPashinyan this week in Armenia to mark a milestone: Armenia’s first foreign military sale, selecting V-BAT to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The decision strengthens Armenia’s ISR capabilities, advances shared security interests, and deepens U.S. cooperation with partners across Europe.

Read more: https://t.co/Q1GbDNrqqF

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

33 criminals. $350 million in narcotics. 3 lives saved.

Shield AI operators recently completed a 92-day deployment aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James, supporting @USCG and @Southcom operations that led to nine interdictions, the detention of 33 suspected drug traffickers, and the seizure of 46,500 pounds of narcotics valued at nearly $350 million, along with one search-and-rescue case in which three lives were assisted. These results reflect the relentless grit, professionalism, and consistency the team exhibited in demanding conditions.

Mission impact like this is what we live for, and we look forward to continuing to deliver for the Coast Guard and our customers around the world.

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

'Tis the season! Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Thank you @FortuneMagazine and @jessicakmathews for taking the time to sit down and learn more about @shieldaitech. Jessica’s story captured what I’m most proud of — our mission-driven impact around the world, across product lines. As we look ahead to the next chapter of Shield AI, I’m excited to scale that impact even more and continue delivering autonomous systems that protect lives.

[Shield @shieldaitech]

"Shield AI is at an inflection point...The initial success Shield AI has seen with V-BAT in Ukraine and on U.S. shores with the Coast Guard and Marines has helped the startup land a $5.6 billion valuation and positioned it as one of the hottest defense startups of 2025."

@FortuneMagazine's @jessicakmathews takes an in-depth look at Shield AI, including CEO @garylsteele’s first major interview since stepping into the role, and the company’s next phase of growth.

The story covers Shield AI’s mission impact in Ukraine, increasing global demand from customers for our intelligent systems and autonomy software, and the leadership transition this spring as we continue to scale capabilities already in operational use today while investing in next-generation platforms like X-BAT.

If you want to help build and deploy autonomy that delivers operational results for customers globally, come join us in the new year!

Read the full article: https://t.co/wnFyCq7k4N

Autonomy for the world. The greatest victory requires no war.