Qatar is exploring AI-powered autonomy for its unmanned naval vessels under a new agreement between defense technology firms Shield AI and Rheinmetall Barzan Advanced Technologies (RBAT).
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind software into Qatari-designed unmanned surface vessels (USVs) used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The proposed integration could allow multiple vessels to coordinate their operations autonomously, supporting coastal security and the protection of critical infrastructure.
RBAT, a joint venture between Qatar’s Barzan Holdings and Germany’s Rheinmetall, will contribute local engineering and systems-integration expertise.
Shield AI will provide its Hivemind autonomy software, which the company says has been tested across more than 40 types of platforms, including aircraft, ground vehicles, and unmanned surface vessels.
“The integration of Hivemind with Barzan Holdings autonomous solutions will expand advanced capabilities and enable coordinated autonomous operations across multiple vessels while optimizing operational efficiency and effectiveness,” Shield AI Hivemind senior director Mimi Shalash said.
Hivemind Expands
Shield AI has integrated its Hivemind autonomy software with a growing range of military platforms, from unmanned aircraft to surface vessels.
In September, the company and UK-based Kraken Technology Group demonstrated two K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessels working together on an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission. Hivemind coordinated their search, directed them to track and escort a vessel of interest, and then replanned the mission.
The software has also been tested on aircraft for the US military. In February, Shield AI and US Navy program offices demonstrated Hivemind autonomously controlling two BQM-177A aerial target aircraft in a simulated combat environment, coordinating their movements to defend designated air patrol areas.
Earlier, in May, the US Department of Defense selected Shield AI to integrate the software into the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System, a program for low-cost one-way attack drones designed to operate in groups.