Shield AI has introduced X-BAT, a new AI-piloted vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet aimed at providing airpower for operations in denied and maritime environments. The aircraft was revealed in Washington, D.C., before an audience of military officials, policymakers, and defense industry representatives.
Shield AI’s president and co-founder Brandon Tseng described the project as part of the company’s broader vision for autonomous airpower. “At Shield AI, we believe the greatest victory requires no war,” he said. “To make that belief real, we’re executing a simple but ambitious master plan: prove the value of autonomy, scale it across domains, and reimagine airpower. X-BAT represents the next part of that plan, expanding U.S. and allied warfighting capacity through a transformative, runway-independent aircraft.”
At the center of the system is Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, designed to enable flight in communications-denied, degraded, or limited environments. This technology allows X-BAT to independently enter contested airspace, coordinate with manned aircraft, and carry out joint missions without constant communication links.Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft, highlighted the platform’s versatility. “X-BAT is a revolution in airpower because it combines four things – VTOL, range, multirole capability, and autonomy,” he said. “VTOL plus range solves survivability on the ground and dependency on tankers. Multirole provides flexibility as the threat evolves. X-BAT’s ability to operate autonomously or collaboratively allows it to project power when other assets aren’t around.”
According to Shield AI, X-BAT combines survivability, affordability, and flexibility for distributed combat operations. Its key specifications include:
- VTOL with long range: Over 2,000 nautical miles with full payload, enabling operations from ships, islands, and austere bases.
- Multirole configuration: Capable of strike, counter-air, electronic warfare, and ISR missions.
- Compact design: Three X-BAT aircraft can fit within the deck space of one traditional fighter or helicopter.
- Proven engine: Built around a fighter-class powertrain for reliability and logistics maturity.
- Attritable cost: Offers fighter-level performance at a fraction of the cost of fifth-generation aircraft.
- Autonomous survivability: Adaptive tactics and signature management for contested environments.
- Open architecture: Integrates with existing and future Air Force and Navy systems.
With X-BAT, Shield AI aims to extend its portfolio of autonomous aircraft, which already includes the V-BAT platform. Founded in 2015, the company develops AI-driven systems for defense operations and maintains offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific.