# V-BAT drone deployment and testing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/v-bat-drone-deployment-and-testing
> Updated: 2026-10-14T19:19:05.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The V-BAT vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone, developed by Shield AI, is being deployed and tested for various maritime and combat roles.

In Taiwan, the first of 12 expected V-BAT units has been delivered to the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) by Shield AI and the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC). These Group 3 unmanned aerial systems are intended to enhance maritime domain awareness, supporting sea patrols and law enforcement through surveillance capabilities. The deployment includes training for personnel and the establishment of a local maintenance system in Taiwan.

Concurrently, the United States Navy is testing the V-BAT for reconnaissance and offensive missions. This version is described as weighing approximately 10 tons and featuring internal weapon compartments similar to fifth-generation fighters, with a projected range of up to 1,340 nautical miles.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: United States tests V-Bat combat drone and GPS-independent hypersonic navigation

The U.S. is testing Shield AI’s V-Bat vertical takeoff drone for naval operations and General Dynamics’ MO-Nav system for GPS-independent navigation on hypersonic platforms.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-tests-v-bat-combat-drone-and-gps-independent-hypersonic-navigation

### 2026-10-13: Shield AI and AIDC deliver first V-BAT drone to Taiwan Coast Guard

Shield AI and AIDC have delivered the first of 12 V-BAT VTOL drones to Taiwan's Coast Guard to enhance maritime surveillance and domain awareness.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shield-ai-and-aidc-deliver-first-v-bat-drone-to-taiwan-coast-guard

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Cite as: V-BAT drone deployment and testing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/v-bat-drone-deployment-and-testing