The US Coast Guard has concluded trials of the V-BAT UAS, clearing the platform for future operations aboard its cutters.
Run by the Coast Guard’s Research and Development Center, the evaluation confirmed that the VTOL drone meets mission requirements and showed no major deficiencies.
The drone’s procurement and support contract was awarded to Shield AI in July 2024, recognizing its potential in maritime operations.
Praised for its small size and adaptability, the V-BAT is suited for vessels with limited deck space and various cutter layouts.
When deployed, the aircraft will deliver round-the-clock ISR capabilities to enhance maritime domain awareness.
