# Barzan Holdings and Shield AI Sign MoU to Integrate Hivemind on Qatari Unmanned Surface Vessels

> Barzan Holdings' RBAT joint venture and Shield AI signed an MoU at Milipol Qatar 2026 to explore integrating Hivemind autonomy software into Qatari unmanned surface vessels.

- Published: 2026-10-28T05:24:26+00:00
- Section: Partnerships
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-28/barzan-holdings-shield-ai-maritime-autonomy-mou
- Source: [Aktien](https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/21591963-barzan-holdings-joint-venture-with-rheinmetall-ag-rheinmetal-barzan-advanced-technologies-rbat-and-shield-ai-to-advance-autonomy-on-qatari-unmanned-surface-vessels-usv)

## Key takeaways

- Shield AI and Rheinmetall Barzan Advanced Technologies signed an MoU at Milipol Qatar 2026 to explore integrating Hivemind autonomy software into Qatari-designed maritime autonomous defense and security solutions.
- Mimi Shalash, senior director for Hivemind at Shield AI, said the integration will enable coordinated autonomous operations across multiple vessels.
- Dr. Sinan Al-Obaidi, CEO of RBAT, said the partnership moves Qatar from individual unmanned platforms to coordinated teams of vessels.

Shield AI and [Rheinmetall](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00006ac/rheinmetall) Barzan Advanced Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Milipol Qatar 2026 to explore integrating Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software into Qatari-designed maritime autonomous defense and security solutions, [Aktien](https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/21591963-barzan-holdings-joint-venture-with-rheinmetall-ag-rheinmetal-barzan-advanced-technologies-rbat-and-shield-ai-to-advance-autonomy-on-qatari-unmanned-surface-vessels-usv) reported on October 28, 2026. The MoU was signed on Day 2 of the Doha event by Mimi Shalash, senior director for Hivemind at Shield AI, and Dr. Sinan Al-Obaidi, chief executive officer of RBAT.

## What the RBAT and Shield AI MoU Covers

The agreement covers exploration of integrating Hivemind autonomy software into Qatari-designed maritime autonomous defense and security solutions, combining RBAT's indigenous engineering expertise with Shield AI's autonomy solutions into [Barzan Holdings](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0005gei/barzan-holdings) solutions. [Shield AI](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00004nt/shield-ai) and RBAT will work closely to explore the integration, leveraging the combined expertise of both companies and building upon Qatar's established engineering capabilities and technological strengths.

Shalash said: "The integration of Hivemind with Barzan Holdings autonomous solutions will expand advanced capabilities and enable coordinated autonomous operations across multiple vessels while optimizing operational efficiency and effectiveness." Al-Obaidi said: "Autonomy delivers its full value only when it is part of a wider operational picture." He added that the partnership "elevates Qatar from individual unmanned platforms, to coordinated teams of vessels that protect our coastal waters and critical infrastructure."

Shield AI, founded in 2015, is a venture-backed defense-tech company whose products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. Defense News reported on October 19, 2026, that Shield AI said its Hivemind software helped Honeywell Aerospace achieve autonomous flight in six weeks, down from an estimated 54 weeks.

## Barzan Holdings' Recent Defense Partnerships

According to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data), Barzan Holdings signed a joint venture agreement with UAE's EDGE Group at DIMDEX in March 2026 to create combined product offerings and leverage complementary Qatari-Emirati capabilities, including counter-UAV and GNSS jamming systems. In January 2026, the company signed a $1 billion agreement with Turkish shipbuilder TAIS for procurement of two Istif-class frigates for the Indonesian Navy, financed by Barzan Holdings. In February 2026, discussions were ongoing with Nigeria's Federal Government and Nigerian Air Force to integrate command, control, and surveillance systems into Nigeria's aviation security architecture.

## Milipol Qatar 2026 Timing

The MoU was signed on Day 2 of Milipol Qatar 2026, the Doha event where the two organizations met, according to Aktien.

## Companies in this story

- [Barzan Holdings company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0005gei/barzan-holdings) · website: https://www.barzanholdings.com
- [Shield AI company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00004nt/shield-ai) · website: http://www.shield.ai
- [Rheinmetall company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00006ac/rheinmetall) · website: http://www.rheinmetall.com

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