Gary Steele

CEO at Shield AI. Runner and art collector.

[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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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 AI @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.

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Thank you, @FortuneMagazine, for having me at Brainstorm AI this week. It was a pleasure to join Tara Murphy Dougherty and @agarfinks and engage with how other leaders in the defense industry are approaching the role of AI in modern warfare. Conversations like these are essential to understanding how the industry and @DeptofWar can work in tandem to advance capabilities for our warfighters and how autonomous systems can fill critical gaps in development by addressing rapidly emerging engineering challenges.

[Shield AI @shieldaitech]

Shield AI at @FortuneMagazine Brainstorm AI!

Our CEO @garylsteele joined @GoviniDefense CEO Tara Murphy Dougherty onstage for a dynamic conversation on the future of autonomous warfare in an increasingly complex global landscape. Moderated by Fortune’s own @agarfinks, the panel explored how modern warfare demands rapid engineering cycles and faster decision-making, requiring both defense tech and the Pentagon to adopt a doctrine of agility, enabled by autonomous systems.

“The people that had to build the F-35, their number one thing is making sure in all circumstances you are not going to kill the pilot. In our world, we’re building an autonomous aircraft. We can go hard and crash and try things you wouldn’t be able to try if you are engineering with a human pilot.”

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

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

Building on our continued progress integrating autonomy across every domain, Hivemind is now entering the final frontier. The challenges of space scale much like those in the air, and Hivemind's field-proven, adaptable autonomy stack was purpose-built to solve exactly that class of problem. Excited to see what’s ahead for Hivemind and the future of autonomous space missions!

[Shield AI @shieldaitech]

One small step for Hivemind, one giant leap for mission autonomy. Hivemind is going to space!

Shield AI and Sedaro are partnering to send Hivemind to space, bringing the same resilient, edge-based autonomy that is redefining warfare to satellites delivering critical infrastructure and national defense capabilities. Our strategic partnership establishes Hivemind Pilot as Sedaro’s preferred autonomy software for on-orbit demonstrations, while also enabling the use of the Sedaro Platform for developing, testing, and demonstrating Hivemind in space-relevant scenarios.

“Combining Hivemind Pilot with Sedaro’s high-fidelity models and simulation environment will unlock multi-agent cognitive teaming for space applications and new mission capabilities for our customers.” - Christian Gutierrez, Vice President of Hivemind Solutions.
Hivemind is multi-domain mission autonomy. We've done autonomy for air, ground, and surface applications this year, and we couldn't be more excited to go to space. If your systems need autonomy, we'd love to work with you and help give your systems the best autonomy in the business.

Read the full press release: https://t.co/3gQ3k1uG1N

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

[Shield AI @shieldaitech]

The @USCG "credits the V-BAT with more than $1B in narcotics seizure this year alone."

It's a huge team effort between the U.S. Coast Guard and Shield AI to deliver strategic results for the American people. This is what right looks like when our service members and industry team up to tackle hard problems. The USCG is responsible for 4.5 million square miles of ocean. No crewed force can cover that alone. @WSJ's Sunday edition detailed how V-BAT is helping close that gap.

V-BAT is providing the reach and persistence needed to surveil, track and target threats far beyond the limits of cutters and crews. As the Coast Guard’s PEO for Robotics and Autonomous Systems noted, “[V-BAT is] a drone that can travel around 1,000 nautical miles, the equivalent of 1,150 miles, can do the work of 10 cutters.”

A relentless focus on mission success for our customers is core to who we are. We look forward to continuing to deliver results that make the Coast Guard and all our customers proud to use our technology and partner with us.

Read the article: https://t.co/NTIvzJ80Xf

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

[Shield AI @shieldaitech]

"Look at me. I am the captain now." - ROMULUS 20 powered by Hivemind 😂

In collaboration with @WeAreHII, our combat-proven Hivemind autonomy software integrated with HII’s Odyssey autonomy suite onboard a ROMULUS 20 USV. During a three-day test, Hivemind and Odyssey autonomously piloted ROMULUS 20, representing a key milestone in our partnership’s goal of the operational deployment of an AI-enabled fleet.

“Shield AI has a lot of expertise in the air domain. HII is an expert in the maritime domain. By collaborating together, we can bridge the surface, undersea, and air domains together in collaborative missions.” - Nick Valladarez, Maritime Chief Engineer, Shield AI.

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

[Shield AI @shieldaitech]

Thank you to our veterans.

At Shield AI, we’re proud to have so many veterans among our ranks who have dedicated their lives to protecting others. Their experiences, leadership, and passion for service help shape who we are and drive our mission to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems.

One of those veterans is Joe Hildebrand, a former Navy SEAL whose story embodies resilience and service in action. During the Battle of Ramadi, Joe was severely injured by an IED attack, which was later portrayed in the 2025 A24 film Warfare, inspired by his platoon’s experience. He suffered devastating injuries to his legs, but his determination drove him to a full recovery. He went on to serve 26 years in the Navy before joining Shield AI as a Senior Customer Trainer for Hivemind Vision Systems. Today, Joe continues his commitment to service by supporting our customers as they adopt next-generation autonomous systems, helping provide the tools best equipped to both confront modern warfare and buy diplomacy another day.

“Service doesn't end with taking the uniform off. You just transition to a different battlefield.” - Joe Hildebrand

This Veterans Day, we thank Joe and all veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Read Joe's story: https://t.co/8cHtRMbFos
Watch the full video: https://t.co/1gi5Uaj5c1

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

[Gary Steele @garylsteele]

I had the privilege of speaking with Horacio Rozanski and @a16z earlier this month. Our conversation reinforced how critical collaboration is as we explore the role of autonomy in modern conflicts and its potential to shape the future of defense. @shieldaitech is proud to partner with @BoozAllen.

[Shield AI @shieldaitech]

AI and autonomy are redefining the future of warfare.

CEO @garylsteele joined Horacio Rozanski, CEO of @BoozAllen, on the @a16z podcast to discuss how lessons from today’s global conflicts, like Ukraine and Taiwan, can help the U.S. become more agile, innovative, and prepared for the future of warfare.

“We just get smarter every day [in Ukraine]. What product capabilities we need forces us to find ways to fix things overnight if we need to because it's life and death. If we can make a difference in the next 24 hours, we're going to do that.“ - Gary Steele

Watch the full podcast: https://t.co/3uUazsr2ZC

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

[Shield AI @shieldaitech]

First flight 2026. Production 2029.

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

[Fox News @FoxNews]

AMERICAN ‘BAT’ MAN: A San Diego defense company says its new AI fighter jet could outsmart a Chinese first strike — and it’s set to be combat-ready by 2029.

The X-BAT can take off vertically, fly thousands of miles, and fight without GPS or constant comms — built to survive when the first shots are fired.