NEWM&A
Shield AI Partners with Pentagon for Cheap Drone Technology
Published on 5/19/2026

AI Summary
The U.S. government has partnered with Shield AI to enhance its low-cost drone capabilities amid rising military material costs due to the ongoing war with Iran. The Pentagon's Office of the Under Secretary of Defense stated it will integrate Shield AI's autonomous Hivemind software into its low-cost uncrewed combat attack systems, known as LUCAS drones. Each LUCAS drone is priced at $35,000. The collaboration aims to provide more effective and affordable military solutions while increasing the safety of personnel on the battlefield. Shield AI recently completed a $2 billion funding round, valuing the company at approximately $12.7 billion.



