Shield AI has been selected by the US Air Force (USAF) to deliver mission autonomy software for a prototype drone in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Its Hivemind system will power Anduril’s YFQ-44A “Fury,” one of two aircraft competing in CCA Increment 1, alongside General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ YFQ-42A.
The autonomy software will be used in upcoming system-level evaluations leading up to flight testing later this year. The decision follows a competitive review process focused on strengthening technical readiness and minimizing developmental risk. Shield AI executives emphasized that Hivemind represents over ten years of research and refinement aimed at enabling autonomous operations in complex combat scenarios.
News of the USAF’s selection of Shield AI for the YFQ-44A — and RTX for a parallel autonomy system on the YFQ-42A — emerged in September 2025.
Driven by artificial intelligence, Hivemind serves as a digital pilot capable of independently managing uncrewed systems during demanding missions. Rather than relying solely on pre-programmed routes, the system can adapt in real time, navigate around no-fly zones, counter threats, and execute mission objectives without direct human input.
These features support the Air Force’s vision of deploying autonomous aircraft to operate in tandem with crewed fighters as loyal wingmen under the CCA initiative. Hivemind has already been demonstrated on various platforms, such as the MQ-20 Avenger, Airbus H145 helicopter, Destinus Ruta and Hornet drones, and the Navy’s BQM-177A aerial target.
