Shield AI has been selected to integrate swarm artificial intelligence technologies into the US LUCAS kamikaze drone program.
Shield AI announced that the drones will be equipped with its Hivemind autonomy software.
The LUCAS program is designed to enable large-scale deployment of low-cost drones capable of overwhelming enemy air defense systems.
Hivemind will function as an AI pilot, allowing drone groups to coordinate actions, maneuver, and adapt in real time based on operator instructions.
Integration is planned for an operational demonstration this fall, during which a single operator will control a swarm of autonomous systems operating jointly.
“LUCAS is about delivering affordable mass, but mass without coordination is limited in value,” Shield AI noted.
The company said Hivemind acts as an AI pilot designed to make mass deployment “intelligent.”
This level of autonomy allows drone groups to identify targets, make decisions, and operate at scale.
Humans retain control over strike decisions, while the autonomous system handles navigation, coordination, and mission execution.
The system is intended to reduce the time between target detection and strike across the kill chain.
Hivemind can dynamically reconfigure mission plans, respond to changing conditions, avoid obstacles, and execute complex missions.
In March, it was also reported that Ukrainian drones will receive Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy system.
