Shield AI Presents Reconnaissance Module for Drones and Aviation in Ukraine

For the first time in Ukraine, the American company Shield AI has presented its ViDAR reconnaissance module with artificial intelligence that can be integrated into Ukrainian Mi-8 and Mi-24 aircraft.

Austin Howard, a representative of Shield AI, told Militarnyi about this at Defense Tech Valley 2025.

The ViDAR module, which was first presented in April 2025, is made in a compact tubular form factor with a length of 60 cm. It is equipped with multispectral cameras, an integrated processor and a separate inertial measurement unit.

The module provides both very high-resolution images and online video. As Austin explains, it is possible to use at first the high-resolution camera to survey a large area, and then use the video camera to further investigate the objects found. This allows the drone to quickly cover large areas.

AI image analysis allows for high accuracy target detection and classification. Typical targets for the module include personnel, vehicles, stationary objects, ships, and fast boats.

In addition, the company offers a module with a synthetic aperture radar from the partner, which is similar in size to a ViDAR module. Thanks to the use of radar, this module is able to ‘see through the clouds.’

Designed primarily for unmanned systems of the third group (drones capable of lifting 30-50 kg of payload), the ViDAR is also compatible with helicopters and small aircraft. In particular, according to Austin, these modules have been widely used on coast guard helicopters for search and rescue operations.

“Any helicopter that has a suspension unit is suitable. We even mounted the modules on rods or other structures in the lower part of the aircraft. So we are confident that we can integrate the system into almost any fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter… I’m not sure if we have already integrated it into Ukrainian Mi-8s and Mi-24s, but I’m sure there will be no difficulties,” Howard said when asked about the possibility of integration into Ukrainian Mi-8s and Mi-24s.

According to him, this product has not yet been used in Ukraine. “We are here to showcase the capabilities and hopefully interest Ukrainian partners,” Austin noted.

In February 2025, it was reported that Shield AI had been looking for partners in Ukraine among the manufacturers of laser-guided munitions to equip its V-BAT drone.

Shield AI CEO James Lithgow told Militarnyi about that at the Defense Tech Innovation Forum 2025 exhibition.

“The drone can carry a combat payload, and it is already working in the United States. We are still looking for partners in Ukraine who produce laser-guided munitions to integrate them with the V-BAT. We are working closely with Ukrainian partners. With all due respect, I cannot tell you who they are, but we are working with them,” he said at the time.