ATHENS, — Greece is expanding its V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet following a new order placed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) with US-based Shield AI. The additional systems will support the Hellenic Army and Navy in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions across land and maritime areas.
The order will allow both services to operate a common drone platform, simplifying training, maintenance and logistics. The contract also includes spare parts, ground support equipment, training and long-term technical support. The number of aircraft, contract value and delivery schedule have not been disclosed.
V-BAT Drone Capabilities
The V-BAT is a tactical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone powered by a JP-5 heavy-fuel engine and a single enclosed ducted fan. It can operate without conventional runways or dedicated launch equipment, including from ships, islands and coastal locations. It can also launch and recover from clearings as small as 4.6 × 4.6 metres.
The drone offers more than 12 hours of endurance, a maximum payload capacity of 18.1 kg and an operational range of up to 180 km through a C-band data link. Its payload options include electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, Automatic Identification System receivers and laser designators.
Shield AI says the aircraft is designed to operate in contested electronic warfare environments, including situations where GPS and communications networks are denied.
Shield AI's regional director for Eastern and Southeast Europe, James Lythgoe, said the V-BAT is well suited to the Aegean region, allowing Greek forces to conduct long-endurance missions from islands, coastlines and ships.
NATO Procurement and Greek Fleet Expansion
The order was placed through NSPA's UAS Support Partnership, which allows participating countries to procure unmanned aircraft while retaining ownership and control. The framework also provides access to shared logistics, maintenance, training, upgrades and technical assistance.
Greece previously received two V-BAT systems comprising four aircraft, donated by the Athanasios K. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation in May 2025. Shield AI signed a follow-on agreement with the Hellenic Army in June 2026. Greek defence reports also described a possible €71 million programme for 10 systems (20 aircraft) over four years, although Shield has not confirmed whether the latest order covers this programme.
Shield AI's Industrial Partnerships in Greece
Shield AI is expanding its local industrial cooperation. In July 2026, it partnered with ALTUS LSA to integrate the Greek-built KMB Hunter interceptor onto the V-BAT. It is also working with EFA GROUP on autonomous pilot capabilities using its Hivemind software.
In October 2026, Shield AI signed a memorandum of understanding with Greek infrastructure company GEK TERNA to explore local production, integration and long-term support opportunities for its X-BAT unmanned combat aircraft.
The additional order strengthens Greece's V-BAT capability for surveillance across the Aegean while expanding Shield AI's cooperation with the Greek defence industry.
——— End of Article ———