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3 clusters · 7 sources · 7 days · First seen · Last updated

Shield AI X-BAT production expansion

Overview

Aerospace company Shield AI is expanding the industrial and production infrastructure for its X-BAT, an AI-piloted unmanned fighter jet featuring vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.

In the United States, the company signed a lease to establish a 420,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Des Moines, Washington. This project, located near Sea-Tac Airport, is expected to bring over $300 million in investment and create hundreds of jobs, with production scheduled to begin in 2029.

Simultaneously, Shield AI has entered a strategic partnership with GEK TERNA in Greece. Under a memorandum of understanding signed in Athens, GEK TERNA will manage a network of local suppliers and operate a local program office to support component manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. This initiative aims to establish Greece as a regional hub for training and logistics serving Cyprus, the Balkans, and Southeast Europe.

To support international expansion, Shield AI has received $150 million from the US Navy through the Defense Exportability Features (DEF) program. This Pentagon initiative assists US defense companies in developing technology for sale to international allies without compromising sensitive secrets. Combined with $150 million in private investment and previous funding, the total announced investment for the X-BAT project has reached $400 million. The aircraft utilizes Hivemind software for autonomous flight in environments where GPS or communications may be compromised. Flight tests are anticipated to begin in late 2026.

Entities

Shield AI · GEK TERNA · X-BAT · Des Moines · US Navy

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Shield AI receives $150M US Navy boost for X-BAT autonomous fighter

    Shield AI and the US Navy are investing $400 million into X-BAT, an AI-piloted VTOL fighter jet designed for operations without conventional runways and for future international export.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Shield AI and GEK TERNA partner for X-BAT production in Greece

    Shield AI and GEK TERNA have signed an agreement to establish an industrial base in Greece for the X-BAT autonomous combat aircraft, aiming to make the country a regional hub for the VTOL drone.

  3. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Shield AI to build unmanned fighter jet facility in Des Moines

    Shield AI will build a new facility in Des Moines, Washington, to produce the X-BAT unmanned fighter jet, bringing $300 million in investment and hundreds of jobs to the region.

Sources

avioblog.it · capital.gr · epochtimes.com · futurezone.at · kirklandreporter.com · nemesishd.gr · vashonbeachcomber.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history