U.S. Military Expands Autonomous Drone Strategy With Shield AI

Transforming Modern Warfare With Swarm Intelligence

The United States Department of Defense is expanding its use of lower-cost autonomous military systems through a partnership with Shield AI. Part of the initiative involves integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous software into low-cost uncrewed combat attack systems, known as LUCAS drones, as the U.S. military increases focus on scalable and cost-efficient defence technologies.

Revolutionizing Battlefield Operations

Shield AI’s Hivemind platform is designed to coordinate autonomous drone operations and adapt to changing battlefield conditions in real time. Through the software, unmanned systems can operate independently, adjust tactics and carry out missions with reduced direct human control. Brandon Tseng, Co-founder and President of Shield AI, said the systems are intended to lower operational costs while reducing risks for military personnel.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Cost Efficiency And Strategic Edge

Growing reliance on lower-cost autonomous systems reflects broader changes across the defence sector as militaries seek alternatives to more expensive legacy equipment. LUCAS drones, produced by SpektreWorks, are priced at roughly $35,000 per unit and were designed as a cost-efficient platform for modern combat operations. U.S. defence officials are increasingly prioritising scalable, domestically produced systems to counter inexpensive unmanned technologies already used in conflicts across the Middle East.

Investment Surge And Future Prospects

Shield AI recently completed a funding round valuing the company at nearly $12.7 billion. The company has also appeared on CNBC’s Disruptor 50 ranking alongside other defence technology firms benefiting from increased investor interest in autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Anduril, backed by entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, recently increased its valuation to more than $60 billion. Tseng said AI-powered autonomous systems are expected to play a larger role in replacing traditional military platforms over the coming decade.

Advancing Autonomous Systems On A Global Stage

Shield AI’s Hivemind platform has already been deployed in operations involving Ukraine and the Indian Army. Upcoming military testing linked to the LUCAS programme is expected to begin within the next two months as the U.S. government continues evaluating large-scale deployment opportunities for autonomous systems.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.

Breaking news