Innovaero and Shield AI sign MOU to deliver new strike capability to the ADF

The Hivemind software, which uses advanced AI to dynamically adapt to reconfigured mission plans and unpredicted operating conditions, has already been integrated effectively into Perth-based Innovaero’s OWL-B aircraft, ahead of simulation and flight testing.

Innovaero said its OWL family is designed to “efficiently identify, track and strike targets”, while the Hivemind integration will “enable faster mission planning and increased lethality in OWL’s attacks”.

“This partnership offers greater sovereign local control for systems being developed and deployed for the ADF,” the companies said in a joint release.

Both companies spoke highly of the partnership and of the other’s capabilities and achievements.

Greg Tunny, CEO of Innovaero, praised Shield AI for its “proven track record” of integrating the Hivemind across a wide range of platforms and operational environments.

“That experience makes Shield AI an ideal partner as we collaborate to bring advanced mission autonomy to the OWL family,” Tunny said.

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“Together, we are accelerating an Australian-designed capability while preserving Australia’s control over its critical defence technologies.”

Meanwhile, Adam Hogan, vice president of Hivemind for Australia, Asia and the Middle East at Shield AI, said: “Innovaero combines deep expertise in loitering munitions with a strong commitment to building sovereign capability in Australia.

“By integrating Hivemind into the OWL family, we will help the ADF plan and execute missions faster, coordinate multiple aircraft and operate when GPS or communications are degraded.”

“This collaboration will also give Australia greater control over how that autonomy is developed, tested and fielded,” Hogan added.

Operationally proven in combat, Hivemind has piloted more than 40 classes of vehicles, including F-16s, Group 5 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, drone boats, one-way attack drones and ground vehicles, according to the release.

Hivemind was most recently integrated onto the Destinus Hornet loitering munition within two months, with teams from Australia supporting successful flight tests in Spain.

Meanwhile, Innovaero last year revealed upgraded guidance capabilities for its flagship OWL-B precision loitering munition, and the first test demonstrator of the OWL-X variant.