The AI Policy Podcast Shield AI’s Ryan Tseng on Building an Autonomous Future for the DOD
Jun 10, 2025
Ryan Tseng, Co-Founder and President of Shield AI, shares his journey from wireless charging to defense tech. He discusses the rise of AI-driven drone solutions amid the Ukraine conflict and the evolution of military strategy. Highlights include an innovative AI pilot system for dogfighting, the ambitious goal of producing over a million drones annually, and the importance of adapting procurement strategies to match the speed of technological innovation. Tseng emphasizes the role of cost-effective solutions in modern warfare and the need for agile practices within the Department of Defense.
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Brother's Story Sparks CEO Shift
- Ryan Tseng joined Shield AI inspired by his Navy SEAL brother Brandon's story of sacrifice and mission in defense.
- This personal connection led him to shift from a commercial tech career to defense autonomy startups.
Early Investors Wanted Mission Drop
- Defense technology startups were considered a bad investment in 2015; investors widely rejected Shield AI.
- Early offers demanded abandoning their national security mission, which they refused, demonstrating strong values against market pressure.
Electronic Warfare Demands GPS-Denial
- Modern battlefields demand drones that operate without GPS or reliable communications due to electronic warfare.
- AI-enabled autonomy must handle GPS-denied, communication-contested environments to succeed in current and future conflicts.