Northrop Grumman has quietly launched a new collaborative program called Beacon, designed to accelerate the testing and deployment of autonomous technologies. Working alongside at least four other companies — including Shield AI — the defence giant is using the initiative to break down traditional industry silos and partner with agile innovators in the autonomy and AI space.
At the heart of Beacon is the modified Model 437 Vanguard aircraft, developed by Northrop’s subsidiary Scaled Composites. The platform is being used for both digital simulation and real-world test flights, which are scheduled to begin this year. The entire initiative has been funded internally by Northrop’s R&D efforts.
Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Tom Jones, head of Northrop’s aeronautics systems division, explained the company’s shift in mindset: “It’s not us versus the startups — it’s about combining strengths. We’re showing customers what’s possible when big and small players team up.”
Among the early partners is Shield AI, known for its V-BAT drone and Hivemind autonomy software. Three more partnerships have been formally signed, with others still in the works.
This move comes as global demand surges for autonomous systems across military domains. The U.S. Air Force is investing in AI-powered wingmen to support fighters like the F-35, while the Navy is deploying drone vessels to handle jamming, interception, and comms.
Northrop’s message is clear: size doesn’t mean stagnation. “We want to end the myth that big defense companies can’t innovate quickly,” said Jones.
Northrop Grumman currently ranks as the fourth-largest defense contractor worldwide.
Source of information: https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/northrop-autonomy-beacon-testbed-shieldai
About Northrop Grumman: https://www.northropgrumman.com/
Written by S-11
www.spaceautonomy.ai