Honeywell Aerospace is joining forces with Shield AI to build a trusted autonomy software stack that could accelerate the deployment of AI-piloted aircraft across military and commercial aviation.
Under a memorandum of understanding, Honeywell will develop the software on Shield AI’s Hivemind software development kit, integrating its Anthem avionics, navigation, and sensing technologies to create a trusted foundation for AI-powered flight.
The collaboration aims to help defense operators transition autonomous aircraft from demonstrations to real-world missions without having to revalidate the underlying technology for every new platform.
The companies will also explore applying the architecture to commercial aviation and other transportation systems.
“Autonomy software can fly an aircraft — but trust has to be engineered into the architecture, not bolted on after,” said Matt Milas, president of Defense and Space at Honeywell.
“Our role is to build the certified, design-assured foundation that lets a warfighter, a regulator and a fleet operator all trust the same platform.”
Seeking a Global Reach
As part of the understanding, Honeywell and Shield AI will pursue defense unmanned aerial system programs worldwide.
They will also explore how Honeywell’s certified avionics and sensing technologies can expand Hivemind’s adoption in the US and allied markets.
“Honeywell Aerospace’s certified avionics, navigation, and sensing systems paired with Hivemind, which delivers mission autonomy for intelligent, collaborative operations, create a trusted foundation for AI-piloted flight,” said Shield AI CEO Gary Steele.
“This collaboration reflects how the aerospace and defense ecosystem is evolving — bringing the best of autonomy and certified hardware to address transportation and national security challenges.”
