Aerospace Group:

Unmanned Systems

Shield AI Touts V-BAT Sorties In Ukraine

By Cal Biesecker

Thursday, April 17th, 2025

SHARE:

Shield AI Touts V-BAT Sorties In Ukraine

Camouflaged V-BAT drone on the ground. Photo: Shield AI

The V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has conducted more than 130 sorties in Ukraine, including training and operations in contested environments in the country’s war against Russian invaders, drone manufacturer Shield AI said on Thursday. Early this year, Shield AI said it had opened an office in Kyiv to train Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) on operating V-BAT (Defense Daily, Jan. 25). The company’s team includes engineers, mission operations personnel, and technical specialists. Shield yesterday said it has also hired…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]