In an exclusive interview with the Defense Arabia team at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, representatives from Shield AI showcased the revolutionary capabilities of a new generation of drones that are redefining the concept of autonomous aerial operations.
The discussion with Mike Hanlin, Senior Director of International Strategy and Business Development, delved into precise technical details regarding the V-BAT aircraft and the X-BAT fighter platform, highlighting the role of Artificial Intelligence in enabling these systems to operate in the most complex environments.
Question: Tell us about the V-BAT. What makes it stand out in the drone market?
Answer: The V-BAT is a long-range, low-cost, and completely runway-independent UAV. It was specifically designed for search and target acquisition missions and is robust enough to operate in 100% GPS-denied and comms-contested environments. Over the past year, it has demonstrated high combat efficiency in Ukraine, where it has been operated behind enemy forward lines with lethal effectiveness. The secret lies in the integration of the “Hivemind” intelligent pilot system, which allows it to complete missions successfully in denied, degraded, intermittent, and latent, or DDIL, environments.
Question: What operational features does the V-BAT offer to forces on the ground?
Answer: The entire system is designed to be expeditionary. The complete setup can fit into the back of a pickup truck, and just two people can unpack and launch it in under 30 minutes. Furthermore, it only requires a 5×5 meter space for launch and recovery, meaning it can be operated from almost anywhere, including the decks of U.S. Navy ships. A unique feature is its ducted fan, which ensures the safety of personnel and surrounding equipment during operations.
Question: How do you see the future of V-BAT in the Gulf and Middle East region?
Answer: The aircraft is highly suited for this region due to its ability to monitor vast borders and maritime areas like the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. We already have signed contracts in the Gulf, and the aircraft is currently flying there. What distinguishes it is the ease of export through the U.S. Department of Commerce, as the base version not ITAR controlled. This opens the door for its use in monitoring pipelines (such as Aramco) or for general security missions.
Question: What updates have been introduced to the latest version of the V-BAT?
Answer: Based on customer feedback, we have implemented several major improvements:
- Heavy Fuel Engine: It now operates on JP-5 fuel instead of specialized racing fuel.
- Satellite Communications (Satcom): This provides the aircraft with unlimited geographical range, limited only by fuel capacity.
- Increased Payload and Endurance: Payload capacity has increased by 50%, and flight endurance has risen to 12 continuous hours.
Question: Let’s move to the X-BAT platform. What can you tell us about this “fighter” aircraft?
Answer: The X-BAT belongs to the fighter class, but it functions as a strike platform. The revolutionary feature here is its Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability, despite being powered by a powerful GE F110 jet engine. We know that in any future conflict, runways will be the first targets of bombardment; therefore, the X-BAT completely eliminates the need for them.
Question: What makes the X-BAT superior to previous attempts at VTOL jet aircraft?
Answer: The technology is extremely difficult, but we hold five patents on the system and have 10 years of experience on the V-BAT system. In the past, a similar concept was proven with the US Air Force’s X-13 Vertijet. However, it was a challenge for a human pilot to land a jet engine vertically, so we have replaced that with an AI-driven “intelligent pilot” Called Hivemind. Additionally, our lead engineer is the former head of the Falcon 9 program at SpaceX, bringing vertical rocket recovery expertise to the world of fighter aviation.
Question: What types of payloads and weapons can the X-BAT carry?
Answer: The aircraft is equipped with six hardpoints (four internal and two external). It can carry Sidewinder missiles and perform various missions:
- Air-to-Air combat.
- Air-to-Ground strikes.
- Electronic Warfare (EW) attacks.
- Advanced Reconnaissance (ISR) using SAR and Lidar radars.
The X-BAT can operate entirely autonomously or as part of a team (Loyal Wingman). However, it does not necessarily need to accompany a manned aircraft to be effective, given its massive electrical power generation and advanced sensor suites.
Next Steps: The first vertical take-off and landing, or VTOL flight, of the X-BAT VTOL system is scheduled for later this year (late 2026), marking the beginning of a new era of autonomous aerial superiority.
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