Leonardo Picks Hivemind for Proteus as Shield AI Explores Qatari Drone Boats
Shield AI is selling Hivemind as a kit that partners adapt themselves, and two deals this week aim it at a Royal Navy helicopter demonstrator and Qatari unmanned surface vessels.
Shield AI is selling Hivemind as a kit that partners adapt themselves, and two deals this week aim it at a Royal Navy helicopter demonstrator and Qatari unmanned surface vessels.
Leonardo selected Shield AI's Hivemind software development kit to build autonomy for Proteus, the uncrewed helicopter demonstrator it developed with the Royal Navy, the companies announced. The work covers anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and logistics flights in contested environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Leonardo agree with Shield AI?
Leonardo selected the Hivemind software development kit to develop autonomy for its Proteus uncrewed helicopter demonstrator, covering anti-submarine warfare, ISR and logistics flights in contested environments, the companies announced.
Who owns the autonomy Leonardo builds?
Shield AI says partners using Hivemind keep ownership of what they build. Its Hivemind engineering vice president, Tom Schaefer, said of Leonardo's work that "the work stays with them."
Has Proteus already flown?
Yes. Proteus made its first flight on Jan. 16, 2026, at Predannack airfield in Cornwall, using autonomy developed by Leonardo, according to the Royal Navy and Shield AI.
What is the Qatar agreement?
A memorandum of understanding between Shield AI and RBAT, the Barzan Holdings-Rheinmetall joint venture, signed at Milipol Qatar 2026 to explore integrating Hivemind into Qatari-designed unmanned surface vessels for ISR and multi-vessel operations.
Is the Qatar deal a contract?
No. It is an exploratory MoU with no disclosed vessel, value or timeline, per Defense War Room.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.