Shield AI Grows Simulation Capabilities With Aechelon Technology Buyout
Shield AI has announced its plan to acquire California-based Aechelon Technology as it expands its autonomous systems portfolio.
Aechelon develops high-fidelity simulation and synthetic environments used by the US military and allied forces to prepare crews and evaluate advanced airborne systems, including within the Pentagon’s Joint Simulation Environment.
According to Shield AI, the acquisition will enhance its flagship Hivemind AI autonomy software by accelerating development through simulation.
Hivemind has already piloted more than 20 platforms since its inception, including F-16 jets, unmanned aerial systems, and robotic ground vehicles.
It has also been selected by the US Air Force as a mission autonomy provider for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft manned-unmanned airborne teaming program and is now undergoing flight testing.
Shield AI said that Aechelon will operate independently within Shield AI following the deal, with CEO Ignacio Sanz-Pastor continuing to lead the business and reporting directly to Shield AI CEO Gary Steele.
“The acquisition of Aechelon will accelerate the work we are doing with Hivemind,” Steele said.
“It’s an incredible company with a fantastic team and a leading technology that plays a role in how we think about the AI pilot development lifecycle.”
$1.5B in New Capital
Alongside the acquisition, Shield AI raised $1.5 billion at a $12.7 billion valuation, including a $1.5-billion round led by Advent International and co-led by JPMorganChase’s Security and Resiliency Initiative, alongside $500 million in preferred equity from Blackstone.
Blackstone also committed an additional $250-million delayed draw facility to “support future growth.”
Shield AI noted that part of the proceeds will back the upcoming Aechelon buyout, continued maturation of the Hivemind software, and developments for its X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing drone.
