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2 days ago
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Shield AI has announced the X-BAT, an artificial intelligence-piloted vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet designed to operate without traditional runways and to function in highly contested environments, the company stated.
According to Shield AI, the X-BAT is powered by the firm’s Hivemind autonomy software, which enables the aircraft to operate in communications-denied or degraded conditions, fly independently or in coordination with manned aircraft, and carry out a variety of missions without direct operator control. The system is intended to allow the aircraft to act as an autonomous “drone wingman” or a standalone combat platform.
“X-BAT represents the next part of that plan, expanding U.S. and allied warfighting capacity through a transformative, runway-independent aircraft,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI co-founder, president, and former Navy SEAL, in the company’s announcement. “Airpower without runways is the holy grail of deterrence. It gives our forces persistence, reach, and survivability, and it buys diplomacy another day.”
Shield AI claims that the aircraft combines range, flexibility, and autonomy in a compact design. The company lists a range of over 2,000 nautical miles with a full mission payload, a multirole configuration for strike, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance missions, and a footprint small enough for three aircraft to fit into the deck space of a single fighter or helicopter.
Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft, described the design as “a revolution in airpower because it combines four things – VTOL, range, multirole capability, and autonomy.” Harris added that X-BAT’s autonomous operation “simplifies kill chains” and reduces reliance on refueling and established runways.
The company stated that X-BAT is intended to provide fighter-class performance at a significantly lower acquisition and lifecycle cost than fifth-generation aircraft, while offering enhanced survivability through autonomy and signature management.
The aircraft was unveiled at an event in Washington, D.C., attended by U.S. defence officials, industry leaders, and members of Congress. Shield AI said the program represents the next phase of its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into combat aviation, following its earlier V-BAT drone program.
