# @shield_ai on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C7hW50LIUZs
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/18213294-shield-ai-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1b175c660d.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-05-28T17:52:48.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Shield AI (@shield_ai) — https://gondola.cc/shield_ai

## Caption

Happy 9th Birthday, Shield AI!

Nine years ago, defense-tech wasn't a thing. Shield AI hadn't raised $1B, the DoD thought AI was only for recognizing images in video feeds (many still do), and the threat the world was concerned with was ISIS. The term AI pilot hadn't been coined, and few understood that AI pilots solved electronic warfare (GPS jamming and comms jamming).

The first 9 years were about building the world's best AI pilot. The next 9 are about putting a million AI pilots into our customers' hands to deter war.

Thank you to our investors, customers, champions and teammates who helped Shield AI achieve this fantastic milestone. This year's journey is captured in 9 photos that reflect the spirit of our achievements and our team’s dedication.

The greatest victory requires no war.

Photo explainer:
1. Nova 2 in Israel: Our AI-piloted quadcopter played a crucial role in hostage rescue operations in Israel.
2. V-BAT Teaming Launch: Successfully launched V-BAT Teams, transitioning from concept to operational reality.
3. Strategic Acquisition: Enhanced our ISR capabilities through the acquisition of Sentient Vision Systems, adding valuable expertise and team members.
4. Collier Trophy Finalist: The DARPA ACE team was recognized as a finalist for the Collier Trophy, an annual award presented to those who have made the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics.
5. Series F Closure: Successfully closed and then boosted our Series F round, raising $500 million to further our mission.
6. Tripled V-BAT Production: Increased production capabilities at our “Batcave 2.0." and welcomed Space-X alum Armor Harris to the team.
7. Drug Interdiction: MQ-35 V-BAT interdicted billions of dollars in drugs in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
8. SECAF Flight: Our AI pilot flew the Secretary of the Air Force in an X-62 (modified F-16).
9. MEU Deployments: V-BAT Completed a record 17th deployment with Marine Expeditionary Units, operating across 14 time zones for 24/7 coverage.

#birthdaypost #defensetech #VBAT #USMC #USAF #Aviation #BuildwithShieldAI

## Stats

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## Tags

vbat, buildwithshieldai, birthdaypost, defensetech, aviation, usaf, usmc

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