Shield AI Unveils Radar-Free ViDAR Pod for Stealth Surveillance in Combat Zones

In a major leap forward for battlefield surveillance, Shield AI, a San Diego-based defense technology company, has introduced the ViDAR Pod—a radar-free, AI-powered surveillance system designed to detect and track threats without revealing the presence of the aircraft carrying it.

Launched just before the Sea-Air-Space Expo, this cutting-edge Visual Detection and Ranging (ViDAR) system is built to revolutionize intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, especially in high-threat and radar-contested environments. Unlike conventional radar, ViDAR is a completely passive system, which means it does not emit signals that could betray its location to enemy forces.

How It Works

The ViDAR Pod is compact—only about 60 centimeters in length—and mounts under the belly of an aircraft. Inside this sleek tube are multi-spectral cameras, a built-in processor, and an inertial measurement unit, all working together with advanced AI algorithms to constantly scan, detect, and track activity on land and sea.

This system doesn’t just operate in daylight or clear weather—it performs equally well at night and in poor visibility, making it a powerful surveillance tool in complex scenarios. Whether it's detecting a vehicle on a dusty road, a dark vessel with its AIS (Automatic Identification System) turned off, or even a fast-moving small craft, ViDAR delivers highly accurate threat detection without giving away the aircraft’s position.

Why It Matters

Radar systems, while highly effective, emit signals that can easily be picked up by enemy receivers—essentially broadcasting a platform’s location. In contrast, Shield AI’s ViDAR keeps the aircraft hidden and undetectable, which is becoming more important in modern, electronic warfare-heavy battlefields.

“Detection at scale has long been dominated by radar, but ViDAR changes that paradigm,” said Christian Gutierrez, Vice President of Hivemind Solutions at Shield AI. “Modern battlefields demand stealth, agility, and autonomy—qualities ViDAR delivers without compromise.”

Versatility and Mission Flexibility

One of the strongest features of the ViDAR Pod is its adaptability. It can be mounted on a wide range of platforms, from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) like drones to rotary and small fixed-wing aircraft. It can operate as a standalone system or in tandem with radar, providing mission planners with flexibility depending on the situation.

This flexibility makes it suitable for various missions, including:

• Force protection

• Targeting and threat tracking

• Maritime patrol

• Coastal security

• Counter-smuggling and counter-terrorism operations

Performance and Efficiency

Despite its small size, ViDAR is remarkably powerful, capable of outperforming many sensors in its category, particularly in detecting low radar cross-section (RCS) threats such as semi-submersibles or stealthy watercraft. Shield AI emphasizes that it delivers persistent surveillance while consuming significantly less space, weight, and power compared to traditional ISR solutions.

The Bigger Picture

Shield AI is no newcomer to military innovation. Since its founding in 2015, the company has focused on building AI-powered autonomous systems for defense. Its flagship products like the V-BAT drone and the Hivemind AI software have already been integrated into operations of the U.S. military and allied forces across the globe.

The company is rapidly expanding its international footprint, with offices in Australia, Ukraine, and the UAE, underlining its commitment to building technologies that empower modern militaries.

Final Take

With the unveiling of the ViDAR Pod, Shield AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in military surveillance. In a world where stealth and situational awareness can determine the outcome of missions, this radar-free, AI-driven system offers a much-needed edge. As conflict zones become increasingly hostile to traditional sensing technologies, systems like ViDAR are likely to become the future standard for ISR missions in contested environments.