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Unmanned Systems

Shield AI Says Development of More Than 2,000 Mile Range X-BAT Underway

Frank Wolfe

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

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Shield AI Says Development of More Than 2,000 Mile Range X-BAT Underway

Pictured is the design of Shield AI's X-BAT (Courtesy: Shield AI)

Shield AI said on Monday that it is developing a more than 2,000 mile range X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet guided by Shield AI's Hivemind artificial intelligence software--an autonomous fighter drone for expeditionary and maritime operations when military forces lack GPS and communications. The X-BAT is to operate from "ships, remote islands, or austere sites — no runways or tankers needed," the company said. "This removes reliance on traditionally vulnerable infrastructure, and ensures forces can respond swiftly,…

Congress

SASC’s FY ‘27 NDAA Sticks With Army’s Plan For Legacy Aviation Procurement Cuts

The Senate Armed Services Committee’s (SASC) version of the next defense policy sticks to the Army’s proposed plan to cut procurement of its legacy aviation fleet, and does not authorize […]

Congress

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Congress

House Appropriators Unveil $1.07 Trillion FY ‘27 Defense Bill, Restore Funds For E-7, Army Aviation

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Congress

MOSA Implementation By Pentagon Lagging, GAO Official Says

While the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) has been a requirement for major defense acquisition programs since January 2019 and other Defense Department acquisitions since January 2021, few programs are […]