Kratos and Shield AI have entered into an agreement to integrate an AI pilot developed by Shield AI into Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie, marking a significant step towards crewed-uncrewed teaming for jet aircraft. This collaboration aims to address the growing challenge of electronic warfare and ensure operational effectiveness even in GPS-denied and communication-jammed environments.
According to Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s Cofounder and President, the ongoing drone losses experienced by Ukraine due to Russian electronic warfare highlight the vulnerability of uncrewed aircraft without reliable GPS and communication systems. AI Pilots, such as the one developed by Shield AI, enable a team of aircraft to execute missions intelligently under such circumstances. By combining the advanced capabilities of the XQ-58 Valkyrie with the AI pilot, this partnership is poised to create a game-changing strategic deterrent.
Ryan Tseng, Shield AI’s Cofounder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about integrating the AI pilot with the Valkyrie, citing its status as one of the few operational uncrewed jet aircraft available for such integration. The close collaboration with Kratos on the XQ-58 will expedite the development of intelligent uncrewed jet aircraft, with the potential to surprise many with its timeline.
Shield AI has already demonstrated the versatility of its combat-deployed AI pilot, successfully flying it on various platforms, including a quadcopter, their own manufactured Group 3 unmanned aircraft system called the V-BAT, and even a modified F-16 fighter jet.
Kratos, known for its production of jet drones, including the Valkyrie, has active production lines manufacturing approximately 150 drones annually. With a range of affordable tactical jet drones in its lineup, Kratos has established contracts with multiple branches of the United States military.
Eric Demarco, the CEO of Kratos, highlighted the synergistic nature of the collaboration, combining cost-efficient and proven uncrewed jets with highly capable AI pilots. This unique partnership between Kratos and Shield AI positions them to rapidly bring the first crewed-uncrewed teaming aircraft to market.
The integration of Shield AI’s AI pilot into the XQ-58 Valkyrie represents a significant advancement in the realm of unmanned aviation, addressing the critical challenges posed by electronic warfare and paving the way for future innovations in military aircraft capabilities.
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