Shield AI and the EFA GROUP of companies signed today, on the sidelines of the EUROSATORY International Exhibition in Paris, a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at the substantial transfer of advanced know-how and technology, thereby strengthening domestic research, development, and production capabilities in the field of defense systems.
Under the agreement, Shield AI and EFA GROUP will collaborate on the development and integration of autonomous navigation systems using Artificial Intelligence (AI pilots) into unmanned systems, building on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous navigation and decision-making software.
EFA GROUP will contribute its expertise in systems and platforms, Artificial Intelligence, and the provision of operational solutions in complex environments, in order to adapt and integrate the final product to Greek requirements, while ensuring national sovereign control and support throughout its entire lifecycle.
“Greece is a country of strategic importance for Shield AI, not only as a defense partner but also as a nation with the human resources, industrial infrastructure, and operational culture that enable it to help shape the future of autonomous systems in Europe,” said James Lythgoe, regional director for Eastern and Southeastern Europe at Shield AI.
“Through our partnership with EFA GROUP, we are investing in a trusted Greek industry leader to deliver cutting-edge operational autonomy powered by AI, strengthen Greece’s technological self-reliance, and establish the country as a leading force in operational Artificial Intelligence, supporting both national and European security needs.”
“The partnership with Shield AI reinforces EFA GROUP’s role as a key national player in meeting Greece’s advanced defense technology requirements,” said Dr. Grigoris Koutsogiannis, CEO of EFA GROUP.
“By combining Shield AI’s proven and effective autonomy architecture with EFA GROUP’s mechanical and technological expertise, this partnership paves the way for the development of next-generation solutions in the country, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda, for the benefit of both Greece and Europe.”
“The collaboration between Shield AI and EFA GROUP is much more than a simple transfer of know-how,” said Nikos Kalogiannis, CEO of EFA VENTURES (a member of EFA GROUP). “By integrating Hivemind into national architectures through advanced systems integration and expertise in Artificial Intelligence, the EFA GROUP is transforming advanced autonomy into a key operational capability for Greece and a foundation for future autonomous systems.”
Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous pilot enables platforms to perceive, decide, and act autonomously, within the parameters set by the operator and within the established chain of command.
Unlike traditional autonomous pilots that follow predetermined routes, Hivemind dynamically adapts to changing mission conditions, performs real-time rerouting, avoids obstacles, and executes complex missions with speed, precision, and high resilience.
EFA GROUP is a European defense technology group that provides integrated, mission-critical operational capabilities across the entire spectrum of the modern battlefield. Combining expertise in 5G connectivity, Command and Control (C2) systems, tactical Data Link systems, Mission Systems, unmanned platforms, and systems for the soldier of the future, the Group offers comprehensive solutions for modern operational requirements.
At the same time, through the integration of platforms and edge computing solutions for real-time data processing, it ensures the secure and immediate transmission of critical information, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of decision-making across all operational environments.