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RNDF Special Series: Brandon Tseng - Exploring the Future of Defense Innovation

Season 1.5, Ep. 4

Recorded live at the Reagan National Defense Forum, Morgan Viña and Jamil N. Jaffer sit down with Brandon Tseng, Co-Founder, President, and Chief Growth Officer of Shield AI. A former Navy SEAL, Brandon leads Shield AI’s mission to develop intelligent autonomous systems that protect service members and civilians in contested environments.


How are AI-driven autonomous technologies transforming defense modernization? What role do innovations like autonomous drones play in enhancing situational awareness and battlefield decision-making? What challenges remain in scaling these capabilities and integrating them into existing defense infrastructure?


Check out the answers to these questions and more in this special episode of CTRL+F!


Stay tuned for more episodes of CTRL+F and our live coverage from RNDF—conversations you won’t want to miss!


Also, check out the results of the Reagan National Defense Survey, a public opinion poll that assists elected officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders with understanding how Americans view a wide array of defense, foreign policy, and national security matters, here: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan-institute/centers/peace-through-strength/reagan-national-defense-survey/?srsltid=AfmBOorTgx10UpPhl1z8NRv6e4HiEVhv2rhpLBL2ElKlL7BYB1j7xl6t


Follow our experts on Twitter:


@jamil_n_jaffer


@morganlroach


@brandontseng2 from @shieldaitech


A Special Thanks to The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & institute!


Follow them: @ReaganInstitute


Like what we're doing here?


Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.


And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!


We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/FLEXYwBBRL8

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