US Navy bets another $150M on fighter drone that skips the runway
Shield AI matches the funding as autonomous X-BAT heads toward flight testing later this year
U.S. Navy earmarks extra $150M for autonomous VTOL fighter drone, Shield AI pledges $150M plus own investment. The X-BAT drone, unveiled in Washington DC, targets flight tests and mission capability by 2028, eliminating runway dependency. With 2,000+ nautical mile range and supersonic potential, the tail-sitter design promises enhanced lethality, survivability and combat power for U.S. Naval Aviation.
Former naval officer J.J. Cummings leads Shield AI s mission solutions for the Navy. UK Royal Navy also seeks combat drones for carrier operation under Project VANQUISH.
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