#247 Brandon Tseng – Shield AI’s X-BAT: The First AI Fighter Jet to Outsmart Top Gun
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Brandon Tseng shares his transition from Navy SEAL to co-founder of Shield AI, a company developing autonomous aircraft systems. The conversation covers Shield AI's technological developments, from their initial AI-piloted quadcopter drones to their latest innovation, the X-BAT combat jet, which features advanced capabilities in range, speed, and maneuverability.
Tseng discusses how Shield AI's autonomous systems have been deployed in various conflict zones, including Ukraine, and their impact on military operations. He explains the role of AI and autonomous systems in future warfare strategy, describing how technologies like swarming drones could transform battlefield dynamics by 2035. The episode provides context for understanding how AI-driven autonomous systems may reshape military operations and strategy.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 23, 2025 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
From Navy Seals to Shield AI: Brandon Tseng's Journey
Brandon Tseng's path from Navy SEAL to tech entrepreneur reflects his family's values of hard work, education, and entrepreneurship. Inspired by military movies at age 10, Tseng pursued his dream through the Naval Academy, eventually serving with SEAL Teams 6 and 7. After earning his Harvard MBA, he co-founded Shield AI in 2015, focusing on military AI pilots.
Shield AI's VBAT and X-BAT Autonomous Aircraft and Drones
Shield AI initially developed AI-piloted quadcopter drones for building clearance operations. Despite success with Special Operations Forces, the company pivoted to larger strategic platforms, acquiring Martin UAV and their VBAT drone. Their latest innovation, the X-BAT, represents a significant advancement in combat jet technology. According to Tseng, this AI-piloted VTOL combat jet features impressive capabilities, including a 2,100 nautical mile range, Mach 0.85 speed, and multi-plane thrust vectoring that surpasses the F-35 in maneuverability.
Real-World Applications and Impact of Shield AI's Technology
Shield AI's drones have been deployed across multiple conflict zones, including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. The VBAT has proven particularly valuable in GPS and communications-jammed environments, with Tseng noting successful operations in Ukraine following the integration of their Hive Mind AI technology. In the Caribbean Sea, the technology has demonstrated its effectiveness by helping intercept over $500 million worth of cocaine in just two weeks.
AI and Autonomy in Future Warfare Strategy
Tseng envisions autonomous systems and swarming drones as crucial 21st-century deterrents. He explains that these systems provide what he calls "limitless intelligent maneuverable mass," overcoming traditional battlefield personnel limitations. The X-BAT's ability to operate without runways and its advanced electronic warfare capabilities represent what Tseng sees as a fundamental transformation in air warfare, potentially leading to a future where autonomous systems augment human roles in military operations by 2035.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The emphasis on military AI pilots and autonomous systems could raise ethical and legal concerns regarding the use of lethal force and accountability in warfare.
- The success of Shield AI's technology in conflict zones does not address the broader implications of AI in warfare, such as the potential for escalation or arms races.
- The claim that the X-BAT surpasses the F-35 in maneuverability may require further independent verification and comparison under various combat scenarios.
- The interception of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea, while a success for Shield AI, does not necessarily reflect the overall effectiveness of the technology in counter-narcotics operations, which can be complex and multifaceted.
- The vision of autonomous systems augmenting human roles in military operations by 2035 may be overly optimistic, considering the potential technical, ethical, and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed.
- The concept of "limitless intelligent maneuverable mass" may oversimplify the complexities and unpredictability of autonomous systems in real-world scenarios.
- The deployment of Shield AI's drones in conflict zones does not address the potential for collateral damage or unintended consequences in volatile environments.
- The narrative of a seamless transition from military service to tech entrepreneurship may not reflect the challenges and barriers that many veterans face when entering the civilian workforce or starting a business.
Actionables
- Explore your family values by creating a personal vision board that includes symbols of hard work, education, and entrepreneurship. This visual tool can serve as a daily reminder of your core values and inspire actions aligned with them, such as taking online courses to improve your skills or brainstorming business ideas.
- Foster inspiration from childhood interests by writing a short story or creating a piece of art that reflects the themes that excited you at age 10. This can help you reconnect with the passions that shaped your early aspirations and consider how they might inform your current goals and hobbies.
- Engage with the concept of autonomous systems by starting a book club focused on science fiction and technology. Select books that explore themes of AI and robotics, which will allow you to better understand the potential impact of these technologies on future military and civilian applications, mirroring the transformative vision of autonomous systems augmenting human roles.
Get access to the context and additional materials
From Navy Seals to Shield Ai: Brandon Tseng's Journey
Former Navy SEAL Brandon Tseng has a remarkable journey from military service to co-founding a technology company. His path reflects a family legacy of valuing hard work, education, and entrepreneurship, culminating in the pursuit to tackle the "problem of warfare" through artificial intelligence.
Brandon Tseng's Family Valued Hard Work, Education, and Entrepreneurship
Brandon Tseng comes from a family where hard work, education, and entrepreneurship were ingrained values. His father, an electrical engineer, worked in corporate America before purchasing an engineering construction firm at 50, demonstrating a spirit of entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, Tseng's mother dedicated herself to family, being "100% mom" every day. Tseng grew up with the expectation of excellence, where any test score below 100% merited the question, "Why didn't you get 100%?" This culture fostered a grateful attitude for the opportunities in the United States, which Tseng would come to appreciate even more after his experiences abroad with the Navy.
Tseng is not the only entrepreneur in the family; he works with his two brothers at Shield AI. His older brother started the company and later brought in their younger sibling during COVID. Despite their mother's reservations about Brandon persuading his brother to leave his MBA program at MIT, the three work together to further the family's entrepreneurial spirit. His older brother had already demonstrated this spirit by starting and selling a company to Qualcomm.
Tseng's Interest in Navy Seals Sparked by Movies at Age 10
Brandon's interest in becoming a Navy SEAL was ignited at the age of 10 after watching "Under Siege" and "The Rock," and nurtured by his parents who provided him with related books. His parents advised him to attend college first as a means to become a SEAL. Heeding their advice, Tseng enrolled in the Naval Academy, later serving two deployments with SEAL Team 6 and one with SEAL Team 7.
Tseng Attended the Naval Academy, Served two Deployments With Seal Team 6, and one With Seal Team 7
Brandon's time at the Naval Academy was transformative. He successfully completed a SEAL screener, and during his junior year, he underwent intense training with SEAL Team Two, where he developed a close relationship with Tim Sheehy. Although initially not securing a SEAL billet out of the academy and having to serve as a surface warfare officer, Tseng used this setback to fuel his drive, eventually achieving a lateral transfer to become a SEAL.
Tseng's Seal Team 6 Deployment: A "M ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
From Navy Seals to Shield Ai: Brandon Tseng's Journey
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A SEAL screener is a selection process that individuals interested in becoming Navy SEALs must undergo to assess their suitability for the rigorous training and demands of the special operations forces. It typically involves physical fitness tests, psychological evaluations, and interviews to determine if candidates have the necessary attributes and capabilities to succeed in the SEAL training pipeline. Passing the SEAL screener is a crucial step towards being accepted into the elite Navy SEAL community.
- A SEAL billet is a position or assignment within the Navy SEALs. It typically refers to a specific role or job within a SEAL team, such as a specialized operational or leadership position. SEALs may compete for different billets based on their skills, experience, and career goals. The term "billet" is commonly used in military contexts to denote a specific duty or position.
- A surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy is a commissioned officer who specializes in operations aboard surface warships. They undergo training to qualify for various roles onboard, such as officer of the deck, small boat officer, and combat information center watch officer. Attaining the surface warfare officer qualification is a significant milestone for officers pursuing a career in surface warfare. Junior officers in this community are referred to as "unqualified" until they achieve this qualification and receive the SWO pin.
- A lateral transfer, in the context of military service, is when a service member moves from one occupational specialty to another without a break in service. This transfer allows individuals to change their career path within the military while leveraging their existing experience and skill ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Shield Ai's Vbat and X-Bat Autonomous Aircraft and Drones
Shield AI's progression from quadcopter drones to advanced unmanned aircraft like the Vbat and the innovative X-Bat underscores the company's significant strides in the field of autonomous aerial vehicles.
Shield Ai's Initial Product: An Ai-piloted Quadcopter Drone For Autonomously Clearing Building Threats
Shield AI started with a quadcopter drone activated by a button on the side, leading to autonomous clearing of buildings—a key task in the most dangerous missions. Although effective for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Shield AI decided to move away from manufacturing these quadcopters to focus on larger projects, comparing their strategic shift to Tesla moving on from sports cars to more mainstream vehicles.
Quadcopter Successful for Special Forces, but Limited In Dust and Tight Spaces
The quadcopter, while successful in various operations, such as call-out operations to ensure buildings were cleared, faced limitations with dust and tight spaces. The LIDAR technology could malfunction due to dust reflection and proximity to walls caused wind vortices that pulled the two-and-a-half-pound drones towards surfaces.
Shield Ai Shifts Focus To Larger Strategic Unmanned Aircraft Like the Vbat Drone
Recognizing the small and underfunded market for quadcopters around 2018 to 2020, Shield AI pivoted towards strategic platforms—drones like the Vbat that cater to where defense dollars were allocated. In 2021, Shield AI acquired two companies including Martin UAV, maker of the Vbat. The Vbat has been operational with the US Coast Guard in the Caribbean Sea and used by Ukraine, emphasizing its vertical takeoff and landing capability that mitigates runway dependencies.
Shield Ai's Innovation: X-Bat, Ai-piloted Vtol Combat Jet
X-Bat: 2,100 Nm Range, Mach 0.85 Speed, Multi-Plane Thrust Vectoring
The X-Bat represents a leap in combat jet technology. This AI-piloted VTOL combat strike jet platform boasts impressive specifications with a 2,100 nautical mile range equipped with mission payload, a cruising altitude of 55,000 feet, and a speed of Mach 0.85. Its advanced abilities culminate in ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Shield Ai's Vbat and X-Bat Autonomous Aircraft and Drones
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The success of the initial quadcopter drone in various operations does not necessarily guarantee the effectiveness or reliability of the newer Vbat and X-Bat models in all combat or surveillance scenarios.
- The shift from quadcopters to larger drones like the Vbat may have left a gap in the market for small-scale, specialized drones for certain tactical operations.
- The operational use of the Vbat by the US Coast Guard and Ukraine provides limited data on its effectiveness across a wide range of environments and combat situations.
- The acquisition of Martin UAV suggests that Shield AI needed to incorporate external expertise and technology to advance their strategic goals, which may imply that their in-house capabilities had limitations.
- The impressive specifications of the X-Bat, while notable, do not provide a complete picture of its performance in real-world conditions, including potential vulnerabilities to electronic warfare and anti-aircraft defenses.
- The claim that the X-Bat surpasses the F-35 in maneuvers based solely on its thrust vectoring capability may not take into account the full spectrum of factors that contribute to an aircraft's combat effectiveness.
- The runway-free operation of the X ...
Actionables
- You can explore the basics of drone technology by building a simple model drone from a kit to understand the mechanics and challenges of flight. By assembling a drone, you'll gain hands-on experience with the principles of aerodynamics, control systems, and the importance of stability in flight, which are fundamental to the advanced unmanned aircraft discussed.
- Start a discussion group focused on the ethical implications of unmanned military technology to engage with the topic on a deeper level. Gather friends or online communities to consider the consequences of AI in warfare, the importance of precision in military operations, and the potential for reducing risks to human life, as exemplified by the capabilities of the Vbat and X-Bat drones.
- Engage in a computer simulation game ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Real-World Applications and Impact of Shield AI's Technology
Shield AI's autonomous drone technology is revolutionizing operations in a variety of contested environments, demonstrating the real-world impact and benefits of AI in critical situations.
Shield AI Drones Deployed In Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine
Shield AI's drones, particularly the V-Bat, have been deployed across diverse global hotspots including Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, and Ukraine, aiding special forces in returning soldiers safely back home. These drones, able to fit in the back of a Sprinter van, share maps and positions of friends and enemies at superhuman speeds, akin to a futuristic version of soldiers communicating over a radio.
Vbat's Operation in GPS and Comms-Jammed Areas Proves Vital for Ukraine Missions
The Vbat has shown particular value in environments where GPS and communication systems are jammed, such as the battlefields in Ukraine. After the British provided Ukraine with Vbat drones in 2023, the integration of Shield AI's AI pilot technology named Hive Mind was crucial for their effective operation in contested environments. After initial failures due to jamming, a 2024 update equipped the drones with Hive Mind technology, which succeeded in jammed conditions during testing. One example of their success included a mission that targeted an SA-11 Bukovel surface-to-air missile system, calling in a successful strike even in electronically contested spaces.
Shield AI' ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Real-World Applications and Impact of Shield AI's Technology
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The claim that Shield AI's technology is revolutionizing operations could be seen as subjective and may require more empirical evidence to substantiate the degree of its impact across various military operations.
- The deployment of drones in global hotspots raises ethical concerns regarding the use of autonomous systems in warfare and the potential for unintended casualties or escalation of conflicts.
- The effectiveness of the drones in ensuring soldiers' safe return might not account for all scenarios, and there could be situations where the technology fails or is insufficient.
- The ability of drones to share maps and positions at superhuman speeds may not always translate to strategic advantages if adversaries develop countermeasures or if the information is not actionable due to the fog of war.
- The success of the V-Bat in GPS and communication-jammed areas might not be consistent across all missions, and reliance on such technology could create vulnerabilities if the enemy adapts to its capabilities.
- The integration of Hive Mind technology, while crucial, may also introduce new p ...
Actionables
- You can explore the basics of drone technology by purchasing a consumer-grade drone to understand the principles of autonomous flight. Start by learning to manually pilot the drone, then progress to using its autonomous features, such as pre-programmed flight paths or object avoidance, to get a hands-on appreciation for the technology discussed.
- Enhance your understanding of AI and machine learning through online courses or workshops that focus on real-world applications. Look for courses that include case studies or simulations where AI must operate in challenging or unpredictable environments, which will give you insights into the complexities of technologies like Hive Mind.
- ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
AI and Autonomy in Future Warfare Strategy
Brandon Tseng provides a comprehensive overview of how AI and autonomy are set to revolutionize future warfare, emphasizing their role as significant deterrents.
Tseng: Autonomous Systems & Swarming Drones as 21st-Century Deterrents
Brandon Tseng discusses the transformative potential of autonomous systems in warfare, particularly through the use of swarming drones. He asserts that these drones will serve as vital strategic conventional deterrents, reducing the risk to military personnel and potentially rendering some traditional roles obsolete.
Autonomous Systems Offer "Limitless Intelligent Maneuverable Mass," Overcoming Battlefield Personnel Limitations
Tseng elaborates on the principles of war, such as mass and maneuver, to describe how autonomous systems can provide what he terms a "near infinite intelligent maneuverable mass." This capability means that military power will no longer be constrained by the number of personnel a country can put on the battlefield.
Autonomous X-Bat: Operates Anywhere, Avoiding Runways and Challenging Adversaries
X-Bat's Long-Range, High-Altitude, Electronic Warfare Capabilities Make It Strategic for Future Air Warfare
The conversation highlighted the strategic relevance of the autonomous X-Bat and its operational flexibility. The X-Bat's vertical takeoff and landing capabilities mean it can be deployed from various locations without the constraints of traditional runways, which presents significant difficulties for adversaries.
The X-Bat fundamentally transforms air warfare by leveraging the Earth as its ru ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
AI and Autonomy in Future Warfare Strategy
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Swarming drones in future warfare are groups of drones that operate collaboratively, mimicking the behavior of swarms in nature. They can overwhelm adversaries through sheer numbers and coordinated tactics, providing a cost-effective and versatile military capability. These drones can be used for various missions, from reconnaissance to targeted strikes, enhancing situational awareness and operational flexibility on the battlefield. By leveraging AI and autonomy, swarming drones offer a disruptive approach to warfare, potentially reshaping traditional military strategies and reducing risks to human personnel.
- Autonomous systems offering a "near infinite intelligent maneuverable mass" means that they can operate collectively with immense coordination and flexibility, akin to a vast, adaptable force on the battlefield. This concept highlights the ability of autonomous systems to work together seamlessly, adjusting tactics and movements rapidly without the limitations of human physical constraints. It signifies a paradigm shift where the sheer number of autonomous units can overwhelm adversaries through their synchronized actions and strategic maneuvers. This approach maximizes the effectiveness of military operations by leveraging the scalability and agility of autonomous technologies in combat scenarios.
- The X-Bat is an autonomous system designed for future air warfare, known for its ability to operate without needing traditional runways. Its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities allow it to be deployed from various locations, enhancing its strategic flexibility. This feature makes the X-Bat challenging for adversaries to predict and counter, contributing to its significance in future air warfare scenarios.
- The X-Bat's ability to leverage the Earth as a runway means it can take off and land vertically from various locations without needing traditional runways, enhancing its operational flexibility and making it harder for adversaries to predict or target its launch and recovery points. This feature allows the X-Bat to operate in diverse terrains and environments, providing strategic advantages in terms of deployment and mission execution. By using the Earth as its runway, the X-Bat can conduct missions from locations that may not have established airfields, expanding its operational reach and effectiveness in future warfare scenarios. This capability is enabled by advanced AI piloting systems that facilitate precise takeoffs and landings in non-traditional settings, contributing to the X-Bat's role as a versatile and adaptable autonomous system in modern air warfare.
- The AI piloting capabilities of the X-Bat enable it to autonomously control its flight operations without direct human intervention. This means the X-Bat can take off, navigate, conduct missions, and land using artificial intelligence algorithms. These capabilities enhance the X-Bat's operational flexibility and eff ...
Counterarguments
- Autonomous systems may not be as effective as predicted due to potential vulnerabilities in software and hardware that can be exploited by adversaries.
- Swarming drones could be countered by advanced electronic warfare tactics, cyber attacks, or anti-drone technologies.
- The concept of a "near infinite intelligent maneuverable mass" may be overly optimistic, as there are logistical, technical, and financial constraints to deploying and maintaining such systems.
- The X-Bat's reliance on AI and electronic systems could be a weakness if adversaries develop effective countermeasures against AI systems or electronic warfare capabilities.
- Operating without runways does not eliminate the X-Bat's vulnerability; it could still be susceptible to anti-aircraft systems or other forms of attack.
- The use of autonomous systems in warfare raises ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding accountability for decisions made by AI in combat situations.
- The prediction that AI and autonomy will augment human roles in warfare by 2035 may not account for the unpredictable nature of technological development and potential regulatory or societal pushback.
- The idea of " ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
