Netherlands Navy Acquires Shield AI’s V-BAT Drones to Strengthen Maritime Surveillance

In a move to enhance its maritime intelligence and surveillance capabilities, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence has officially procured eight V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems from U.S.-based defense technology company Shield AI. The announcement was made on 9 July 2025 during the ‘Maritime Uncrewed’ event hosted by the Royal Netherlands Navy in Den Helder, signaling a growing reliance on advanced autonomous drone systems in naval operations.

The newly acquired V-BAT systems will be deployed by both the Royal Netherlands Navy and Marine Corps, marking a significant step in their ongoing modernization plans. These drones are intended to strengthen the Netherlands’ operational reach and effectiveness, especially in contested and complex maritime environments, where traditional ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) assets may face limitations.

Why V-BAT?

The V-BAT stands out for its unique single-engine ducted-fan design and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. Unlike traditional fixed-wing UAVs that require runways or launch equipment, V-BAT can launch and recover from confined ship decks, making it exceptionally well-suited for naval platforms. This makes it ideal for missions launched from frigates, landing platform docks, or even smaller vessels.

One of the key technical strengths of the V-BAT is its independence from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), which allows it to operate even in GPS-denied or jamming-prone environments—a capability that has become increasingly essential in modern electronic warfare conditions.

Shield AI’s Brandon Tseng, President and Co-founder, noted, “V-BAT was built for the types of missions the Dutch Navy and Marine Corps are preparing for—dynamic, distributed, and high-stakes.” He emphasized its combat-proven capabilities and its growing global user base, including U.S. allies and NATO partners.

Combat-Proven Platform

The Dutch Navy’s decision to invest in V-BAT was influenced by its real-world performance, particularly in Ukraine, where the drone has been successfully carrying out long-range ISR and targeting operations under electronic warfare and GPS-denied conditions. In addition, V-BAT participated in the REPMUS 2024 NATO exercise, where it was deployed aboard HNLMS Johan de Witt for a month-long maritime ISR mission. This trial validated its shipboard functionality, endurance, and utility for joint operations at sea.

Technical Highlights of V-BAT:

• Type: Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System

• Engine: Single-engine ducted-fan

• Payload Capacity: Configurable for ISR sensors, electronic warfare modules, and communications relays

• Navigation: Operates without GNSS; uses onboard autonomy for mission execution

• Footprint: Compact for shipboard storage and rapid deployment

• Mission Use: Maritime ISR, targeting support, battlefield communications, and reconnaissance in denied environments

• Endurance: Designed for long-duration missions across harsh terrain and seas

• Combat Proven: Deployed in Ukraine, Indo-Pacific, Black Sea, and NATO exercises

Strategic Significance

The V-BAT acquisition is part of a broader initiative by the Netherlands to field modern, resilient, and autonomous defense technologies that can operate across distributed naval and expeditionary missions. As threats in the maritime domain evolve and electronic warfare becomes more intense, V-BAT offers the kind of flexibility and survivability that traditional drones struggle to match.

This deal also strengthens transatlantic defense ties, with the Netherlands joining a growing number of U.S. partners and NATO allies opting for V-BAT’s battlefield-tested capabilities. With delivery and deployment of the drones expected soon, the Dutch forces are poised to gain a significant boost in situational awareness, force protection, and operational reach.