Shield AI, the defense technology company focused on AI-powered autonomy, has announced that its V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has been chosen by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as the country's first-ever maritime-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. This selection marks a major milestone in the JMSDF's ongoing efforts to enhance its operational readiness and defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The V-BAT will provide advanced ISR capabilities to JMSDF surface vessels, significantly strengthening Japan’s defense posture. As part of a multi-year agreement, the JMSDF will acquire several V-BAT units, aimed at enhancing the surveillance and intelligence-gathering abilities of its maritime forces. The platform will support a wide range of operations, from strategic targeting to search-and-rescue missions.

Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-founder, and former Navy SEAL, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "Japan is a vital ally in the Indo-Pacific and critical to regional deterrence efforts. This collaboration ensures Japan is equipped with a reliable and proven platform for maritime ISR missions. The JMSDF’s selection of V-BAT reflects their understanding of future warfare, where success lies in blending high-cost assets with affordable, intelligent unmanned systems."

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The V-BAT is a versatile single-engine ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS that is already operational in multiple regions around the globe. Known for its unique design and the ability to launch and recover in confined spaces, V-BAT is ideally suited for shipborne environments. Its resilience in GPS- and communications-denied environments, as well as its proven performance in contested regions such as Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, sets it apart from traditional drones.

In addition to its ISR capabilities, V-BAT excels in a wide range of missions, including maritime interdiction and strategic targeting. Its autonomous features and cost-effective deployment make it a critical asset in modern defense operations, delivering the strategic capabilities of much more expensive aircraft.

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is committed to protecting service members and civilians through intelligent systems. The company’s products, including the AI pilot Hivemind, are already in use by the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies, actively supporting military operations globally.

With this strategic selection, the JMSDF and Shield AI are setting the stage for future advancements in maritime defense, with the V-BAT UAS poised to play a key role in ensuring Japan’s readiness for any potential challenges in the region.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Chooses Shield AI’s V-BAT for Maritime ISR Missions Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Chooses Shield AI’s V-BAT for Maritime ISR Missions