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THE EVOLVING FIELD GUIDEEditor

Company

Shield AI

Coverage focus: V-BAT. A vertical-takeoff reconnaissance aircraft suited to compact operating locations and shipboard use. V-BAT combines fixed-wing flight with a ducted-fan layout and is offered with several observation payloads.

Published 20 Sept 2026Updated 20 Sept 2026Sources reviewed 20 Sept 2026

By Defence Drones editorial team

Coverage

This profile currently covers V-BAT.

Programme context

Operational testing completed aboard US Coast Guard cutters in July 2025. Shield AI also announced Japanese maritime selection in January 2025 and reports deployments elsewhere. The Coast Guard test milestone does not establish installation across its entire fleet.

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Follow the evidence

Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.

  1. Shield AI V-BAT overview (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme source
  2. US Coast Guard operational testing, 31 July 2025 (opens in a new tab)Government / operator
  3. Shield AI Japanese selection announcement (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer / programme source

Systems & connected topics

Air · Drone / systemUnited States

V-BAT

A vertical-takeoff reconnaissance aircraft suited to compact operating locations and shipboard use. V-BAT combines fixed-wing flight with a ducted-fan layout and is offered with several observation payloads.

Development / trialsRead