Leonardo is evaluating Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software in a digital twin of its Proteus uncrewed helicopter at Yeovil, UK, a company spokesperson told Shephard.

The aim is for Proteus to carry out fully autonomous anti-submarine warfare missions for the Royal Navy. The two companies announced their agreement at the end of October 2026; it is meant to help Leonardo build its own mission autonomy software.

Source: Shephard

Background

Shield AI

Organization

Shield AI builds the AI pilot software, surveillance drone and strike fighter that make up its push to field aircraft without pilots, and is now adding radar.

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Leonardo

Organization

Italian aerospace, defence and security group headquartered in Rome.

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Proteus

Uncrewed helicopter

Leonardo uncrewed helicopter that made its first flight this year.