On June 11, 2025, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and Shield AI conducted a new milestone in unmanned air combat by testing the MQ-20 Avenger UCAV equipped with the Hivemind autonomy software. This exercise, conducted in a live-virtual-constructive (LVC) environment, marked the first simulated autonomous shootdown by the AI system. As reported by General Atomics and Shield AI, this event showcases the rising maturity of autonomous collaborative aircraft technologies amid the U.S. Air Force’s shift toward AI-driven operations. The test not only reflects the operational realism of current autonomy but signals a turning point in scalable combat AI deployment. The MQ-20 Avenger is a jet-powered Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) developed by GA-ASI and is primarily used as a testbed for next-generation autonomous systems. With a wingspan of 66 feet and powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW545B turbofan engine, it reaches speeds over 400 knots and boasts an endurance of more than 20 hours. Designed with a low observable profile, internal weapon bays, and satellite data link connectivity, the Avenger is now increasingly fitted with third-party autonomy systems like Shield AI’s Hivemind. The June 2025 demonstration saw the UCAV perform complex maneuvers such as midair station-keeping, combat air patrol, and autonomous air-to-air engagement in coordination with a virtual twin, validating the aircraft’s capability for seamless AI integration and combat mission execution in denied environments.

Full exclusive : First-Ever Air Target Kill by U.S. MQ-20 Avenger Drone Using Shield AI’s Hivemind in Simulation.

For more see the OODA Company Profile on Shield AI.