Drones & Robotics
X-BAT
AI-piloted VTOL fighter jet that needs no runway.
Unveiled in 2025, X-BAT is Shield AI's autonomous vertical-takeoff fighter jet, flown by its Hivemind AI pilot. It is pitched as a lower-cost 'loyal wingman' with long range and no runway requirement, with flight testing planned for later in the decade.
What it does
- ▸Vertical takeoff/landing
- ▸AI piloting (Hivemind)
- ▸Autonomous strike/ISR
- ▸Runway-independent
Where it's deployed
- ◍Announced 2025; testing planned
Agencies using it
DoD