Shield AI unveils V-Bat block upgrade
The latest evolution of the V-Bat is built to solve issues with targeting threats in GPS-denied environments and enabling maritime surveillance. (Photo: Shield AI)
The heavy-fuel engine V-Bat was officially showcased at Sea Air Space, after it was first teased in February 2025.
Shield AI has officially unveiled its new upgrade variant of the V-Bat, at the Sea Air and Space exhibition on 7 April.
This upgraded V-Bat has a heavier fuel engine, optimised for JP-5 – the common maritime aircraft fuel – extending the uncrewed aerial vehicle’s endurance over 13 hours according to the company.
It also now has a fully unassisted vertical launch and landing (VTOL) capability, and like previous V-Bat variants, requires no catapult or runway. The variant has a higher MTOW of 73kg and payload capacity of 18.1kg, compared to 57kg and 11.3kg, respectively, of previous versions.
As
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement
The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
-
![Turkey finalises $7.2 billion deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets]()
Turkey finalises $7.2 billion deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets
The deal will include a weapons package alongside the aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2030.
-
![NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements]()
NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements
Despite shared goals, NATO’s counter-uncrewed aerial system efforts remain fragmented, with parallel initiatives lacking a unified doctrine or integrated deployment strategy.
-
![“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft]()
“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft
The aeronautics business saw a 34% boost in growth year on year, driven largely by its success with its Gripen aircraft.
-
![Hybrid Air Vehicles secures first defence order for Airlander 10]()
Hybrid Air Vehicles secures first defence order for Airlander 10
The undisclosed customer, described as an “innovative defence contractor”, has reserved three Airlander 10 aircraft for military use.
