The U.S. Navy’s Rapid Capabilities Office and PAE Aviation, in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, are investing $50 million to expand unmanned maritime strike capabilities under the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) initiative.
The effort will build on existing risk-reduction work led by PAE Aviation’s Rapid Capability Cell with Shield AI, with the company’s X-BAT aircraft supporting the program.
According to the Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office, the investment is intended to rapidly scale the U.S. Navy’s unmanned aviation portfolio and advance capabilities that can support maritime strike missions without conventional runways.
Shield AI described X-BAT as an AI-piloted vertical takeoff and landing fighter aircraft and said it was supporting the Navy through the RIMES effort.
The announcement reflects a focus by U.S. naval organizations and industry partners on accelerating the development and deployment of unmanned aviation capabilities for maritime operations.