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Unmanned Systems

Flight Debut for Shield AI X-BAT Could Come Next Fall

Frank Wolfe

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

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Flight Debut for Shield AI X-BAT Could Come Next Fall

Pictured is a Shield AI graphic of future X-BAT fighter drones on their vertical take-off and landing stands.

Shield AI plans to conduct initial vertical takeoff and landing demonstrations of its X-BAT drone fighter jet "as early as fall 2026, followed by all-up flight testing and operational validation in 2028," according to a spokeswoman for the effort. The company said this week that the X-BAT is to have a more than 2,000 mile range and to be guided by Shield AI’s Hivemind artificial intelligence software. The X-BAT--an autonomous fighter drone for expeditionary and maritime operations when military forces…

Army

Lawmakers Request DoD Briefing On Army’s Planned Cuts To Aviation Procurement

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has sent a letter asking the Pentagon for a briefing on the potential industrial base impacts as a result of the Army’s planned cuts […]

Congress

CENTCOM Looking To Lessons Learned From Use Of LUCAS Drones

U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) is looking to lessons learned from its use of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones by Phoenix-based SpektreWorks, according to CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper. […]

Army

Hegseth Says DoD Open To Reviewing Army’s Planned Cuts To Legacy Helicopter Procurement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told lawmakers the Pentagon is open to reviewing the Army’s planned procurement cuts to its legacy manned aviation fleet. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member […]

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]