WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy and defense technology company Shield AI have committed a combined $400 million to accelerate development of the X-BAT, an autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft. The investment is aimed at moving the aircraft toward its first flight tests later this year.
$400 Million Combined Investment
The Navy has approved a $150 million modification to an existing Other Transaction agreement with Shield AI. The funding comes through the Defense Exportability Features program under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
Shield AI is matching the Navy's investment with $150 million in private capital.
The latest funding follows a separate $50 million Navy and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) investment announced in August under the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) initiative. Shield AI also matched that investment with another $50 million.
Together, the two government investments total $200 million, matched by $200 million from Shield AI.
X-BAT Aircraft
The X-BAT is being developed as a standalone autonomous fighter rather than a conventional “loyal wingman” drone. The aircraft is 26 feet long and has a 39-foot wingspan.
Shield AI says three X-BAT aircraft can fit into the deck space required for one legacy fighter, allowing the aircraft to use deck space more efficiently.
The aircraft is powered by a GE Aerospace F110-GE-129 engine equipped with a thrust-vectoring nozzle for VTOL operations.
Shield AI lists an estimated combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles, a maximum range of more than 2,000 nautical miles and a service ceiling above 50,000 feet.
The X-BAT has internal weapons bays for air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, along with external hardpoints for larger strike weapons.
Autonomous Operations
The aircraft uses Shield AI's Hivemind software as its AI pilot. The system is designed to allow X-BAT to conduct tactical missions in environments where GPS and satellite communications are denied or jammed.
Its VTOL configuration removes the need for conventional runways. The aircraft is designed to operate from aircraft carriers, smaller ships, remote islands and austere forward land bases.
Development and Testing
About 500 engineers from Shield AI and key suppliers, including GE Aerospace, are working on the flight-test aircraft.
The program has completed several major development milestones, including engine light-off and thrust-vectoring nozzle integration. The team has also validated the aerodynamics of the internal weapons bays through low- and high-speed wind-tunnel testing.
Shield AI plans to begin flight testing later in 2026 while continuing work on the aircraft, mission systems, ship suitability and production in parallel.
Flight Test and Production Sites
Newton City-County Airport in Kansas has been selected for flight testing, acceptance and long-term sustainment. Prototyping is continuing in Texas, while production is planned for a facility in Des Moines, Washington.
Manufacturing is targeted to begin in 2029, with full-rate production planned for the early 2030s.
J.J. “Yank” Cummings, Shield AI's head of mission solutions for the U.S. Navy and a former commanding officer of USS Gerald R. Ford, said the X-BAT is being developed to enhance the lethality, survivability and combat power of U.S. Naval Aviation while integrating with existing carrier air wing operations.
The latest funding brings the announced government and Shield AI commitments to the X-BAT program to $400 million, supporting its transition toward flight testing and future production.
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