#Singapore #Shield AI #RSAF #DSTA

Shield AI's Strategic Collaboration with Singapore's Defence Agencies

In a significant development for military technology, Shield AI has announced the expansion of its partnership with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of autonomous drones by leveraging Shield AI’s innovative Hivemind software development kit (SDK).

As part of this expanded partnership, Shield AI is set to co-develop a range of artificial intelligence (AI) applications designed specifically for drone operations. The goal is to create advanced autonomous capabilities that can be integrated across various drones while ensuring these solutions are tailored for both existing and future operational contexts.

Progress and Features of the Hivemind SDK

Since the launch of the partnership, RSAF and DSTA have utilized Shield AI’s SDK to independently design, test, and deploy mission autonomy systems. The SDK has undergone several enhancements based on feedback from operational users, making it easier for developers to implement these autonomous systems to improve the efficiency of military missions. For instance, these autonomous drones can navigate around restricted airspace, evade threats, and adjust to unexpected conditions—all without human intervention.

Brandon Tseng, President and Co-founder of Shield AI, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration. He remarked, "Through their adoption of the Hivemind platform, Singapore is on a path to become the first country outside the United States to achieve true sovereign autonomy. This is crucial for allowing nations with declining populations, like Singapore, to maintain military strength without being solely dependent on their population size."

Empowering Local Expertise and Innovation

DSTA's Chief Executive, Mr. Ng Chad-Son, underscored the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Building our capability to independently develop and field mission autonomy is a priority. This partnership not only enhances our technological prowess but also fosters a hands-on experience for our defense engineers and aircrew." This initiative is anticipated to nurture a sustainable pipeline of AI specialists equipped with substantial operational knowledge, reinforcing Singapore's defense capabilities.

The expanded partnership was officially announced during the Singapore Airshow 2026, where discussions on autonomy and human-machine collaboration were a central theme. Tom Schaefer, Vice President of Hivemind engineering at Shield AI, also highlighted the significance of software-driven autonomy for next-generation defense systems at the Singapore Aerospace Technology and Engineering Conference held concurrently with the airshow.

About Shield AI and DSTA

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a forward-thinking company dedicated to enhancing the safety of service members and civilians through intelligent systems. Their portfolio includes drones like the V-BAT and X-BAT, along with various Hivemind product lines. With global operations across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI continues to make strides in military technology.

The Defence Science and Technology Agency, on the other hand, is a premier technology organization in Singapore, committed to empowering the nation’s military forces with state-of-the-art capabilities. By focusing on systems engineering, cyber technologies, and software development, DSTA ensures that Singapore is equipped to meet modern defense challenges effectively.

As these two organizations join forces, the future of drone autonomy looks promising, paving the way for enhanced military operations that are more efficient, safe, and independent from human oversight.

For more details on Shield AI, visit their official website at www.shield.ai.