Shield AI Raises $2.25 Billion to Acquire Aechelon Technology

Shield AI raised $2.25 billion in a Series G funding round on March 26, 2026, bringing its post-money valuation to $12.7 billion. The round was co-led by Advent International and the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Security and Resiliency Initiative, with additional participation from Blackstone Inc. and Riot Ventures Management. Blackstone provided $500 million in non-convertible preferred equity and a $250 million delayed draw facility.

The company plans to use the capital to acquire Aechelon Technology, a simulation software maker, from Sagewind Capital. This acquisition aims to accelerate the development of Shield AI's Hivemind software, which enables autonomous flight in GPS-denied environments and has been tested on Collaborative Combat Aircraft and F-16 fighter jets.

Advent International's investment is part of a larger commitment to allocate up to $1 billion toward next-generation defense technology. The firm has deployed more than $15 billion in the defense sector since 2020. As part of the agreement, David Mussafer of Advent International will join the board of directors at Shield AI.