Shield AI's X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft has been named the Official Autonomous Aircraft of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. This sponsorship extends to Shield AI joining as an Associate Sponsor for "America's Game," one of the most prominent rivalries in American sports. The 127th meeting between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen is scheduled for December 12, 2026, at MetLife Stadium. The X-BAT, powered by Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software, is designed for contested expeditionary and maritime operations. It offers VTOL capabilities combined with a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles with a full payload, enabling operations from diverse locations without a runway.
Brandon Tseng, Shield AI's president and co-founder, a Naval Academy Class of 2008 graduate, stated, "There's no game like Army-Navy. I started Shield AI because I deeply believed in the mission of our Armed Forces and that technology could be better leveraged to help accomplish that mission." He noted that with 15% of Shield AI's workforce being veterans and many service academy graduates on the team, supporting the game aligns with the company's identity.
The partnership underscores the increasing integration of advanced technology in defense. Tom Theodorakis, Director of Athletics at Army West Point, commented on how Shield AI's involvement highlights the growing role of advanced technology in ensuring the safety of future forces. Michael Kelly, Director of Athletics at the U.S. Naval Academy, expressed pride in welcoming Shield AI, emphasizing the shared values between the company and the game.
Shield AI joins other sponsors including USAA, Chevrolet, Exchange, Duke Cannon Supply Co., Palantir, and The American Legion. The company will have a significant presence throughout the week leading up to the Army-Navy Game, with further fan engagement activities to be announced. This sponsorship follows Shield AI's support for Tailhook's Hook '26 naval aviation symposium.
This announcement positions Shield AI within a sector experiencing significant growth and investment. StartupHub.ai data shows Shield AI has raised $1.5 billion in verified funding, achieving a post-money valuation of $12.7 billion after its Series G round in 2026. This valuation places Shield AI among key players in the defense autonomy market, though competitors like Anduril Industries (StartupHub score 79/100) maintain higher valuations. StartupHub.ai data indicates that while Shield AI has a strong technological foundation, its current score of 31/100 suggests room for growth compared to its more established competitors in the autonomous defense systems space.