Shield AI has confirmed its participation in a US Navy program aimed at delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) services using its V-BAT uncrewed aircraft system.
The initiative, valued at up to $800 million, involves multiple companies competing under a contractor-owned, contractor-operated model to support naval and joint force ISR missions.
V-BAT is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone featuring a ducted-fan design and powered by a heavy-fuel engine. It can operate for more than 12 hours and carry payloads of up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms).
Designed for persistent ISR operations across both land and maritime domains, the platform can be deployed from naval vessels and austere locations. It is optimized for contested environments where GPS and communications may be degraded or denied.
Its enclosed rotor and single-engine configuration enable launch and recovery without additional infrastructure, allowing operations from ship decks and remote areas with minimal logistical support.
Beyond US deployments with the Coast Guard and Marine Corps, Shield AI is expanding V-BAT’s global footprint. The Royal Netherlands Navy recently approved the system for maritime surveillance operations, while collaboration is ongoing with the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s IT agency (JIVC) to tailor the platform to national requirements.
In February, Armenia confirmed procurement of V-BAT systems via the US Foreign Military Sales program. Additionally, India selected Shield AI to supply the platform to the Indian Army, including integration of its Hivemind autonomy software.
