Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept
A render of the X-Bat. (Image: Shield AI)
Named X-Bat, the AI-controlled vertical take-off and landing drone is expected to enter production by 2029, with first flight tests estimated to take place a year earlier.
Shield AI has unveiled X-Bat, its AI-controlled, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) platform. The long-range VTOL aircraft is intended for use across maritime and expeditionary missions, and could be operated as either an autonomous fighter jet or loyal wingman drone, according to the company.
“We’re executing a simple but ambitious master plan: prove the value of autonomy, scale it across domains and reimagine airpower,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI co-founder and president. “X-Bat represents the next part of that plan.”
According to the company, X-Bat can launch and recover from ships, remote locations or bases without
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
-
![Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution]()
Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution
The AI solution is called Gunslinger, which will be used to assist the pilot in decision-making for counter-drone operations.
-
![First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion]()
First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion
The US is currently escalating its efforts to acquire more than 300,000 low-cost one-way attack drones, with the confirmed use of these platforms against Iran in recent days emphasising their growing use in combat.
