Shield AI opens new Australian HQ in Port Melbourne

San Diego-based Shield AI has opened a new Australian headquarters in Port Melbourne. This expansion signals a significant investment in Australia’s defence capability and will build on collaboration between Shield AI (which bought Port Melbourne-based Sentient Vision Systems in 2024), the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and Australia’s defence industry, the company says.

Shield AI’s footprint in Australia has grown rapidly following its acquisition of Sentient Vision Systems, an Australian leader in real-time AI-enabled situational awareness, it adds. This partnership is already delivering results, with successful ADF trials of the ViDAR system earlier this year. ViDAR has also been sold to the US Coast Guard and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) who have used it successfully.

“The opening of our Melbourne office is a clear demonstration of Shield AI’s commitment to Australia and our intent to be a long-term partner in advancing defence capability,” said Mark Palmer, Australian-based Vice President of Vision Systems at Shield AI.

“We know Australia is home to some of the most capable AI and autonomy talent in the world,” said Christian Gutierrez, vice president of Shield Ai’s Hivemind Solutions. “Our investment here is not just about facilities, it’s about building enduring partnerships that contribute to national security and allied partnerships.”

Gutierrez also emphasised the company’s alignment with Australia’s defence objectives, “As the ADF transitions to a more agile, focused force, Shield AI is investing in proven, deployable technologies to support that transformation. Hivemind Enterprise delivers battle-proven autonomy at scale, powering intelligent mass across the full spectrum of multi-domain operations.”

Shield AI’s new Melbourne base will also support work on key Australian defence capability, says the company, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of defence innovation. Its new Melbourne headquarters is a strategic step in strengthening local defence industry talent, the company adds. It plans to continue hiring and growing a team of Australian engineers, developers, and mission experts to support its AI and autonomy capabilities.

The new HQ is very close to Sentient Vision Systems’ old HQ in Salmon St, Port Melbourne. Shield AI Australia says it currently has 45 employees and plans to expand to 70, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to building capability and investing in Australian expertise.

“The launch of our Melbourne office is more than a new location, it’s a commitment to working with and growing Australia’s world-class defence and technology workforce,” said Mark Palmer. The company will continue to invest in Australian talent, he adds, “To help shape the future of trusted autonomy by Australians, for Australians, and in support of our shared values with global partners.”