Shield AI receives $50M investment for X-BAT VTOL drone

The U.S. Navy, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and PAE Aviation have announced a joint $50 million investment to scale the development of the X-BAT, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned jet developed by Shield AI.

The funding is part of the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program. The initiative aims to provide the U.S. surface fleet, including existing Burke-class destroyers, with long-range fixed-wing strike capabilities without requiring traditional catapults, arrestor wires, or runway infrastructure. The X-BAT features a wingspan of approximately 11.9 meters, a maximum range exceeding 3,700 kilometers, and a service ceiling above 50,000 feet. It is designed for multi-mission roles, including ground strike, air-to-air combat, electronic warfare, and intelligence reconnaissance.

The drone will utilize Shield AI’s autonomous ‘Hivemind’ software to operate in contested environments with heavy electronic interference. It is expected to use a GE Aerospace F110-GE-129 jet engine, with first flight tests planned for 2026. Additionally, Shield AI has expressed interest in collaborating with Poland for potential production components of the program.