U.S. Navy Backs Shield AI’s X-BAT With $50 Million Investment

Shield AI unveiled X-BAT in October 2025 as an AI-piloted, vertical-takeoff-and-landing combat aircraft designed for expeditionary and maritime operations. Powered by the company’s Hivemind autonomy software, it is intended to conduct strike, air combat and electronic-warfare missions without continuous communications or GPS. Its runway-independent design could let U.S. forces disperse air power across ships, remote islands and austere bases while reducing reliance on conventional airfields and large aircraft carriers.

The Department of the Navy Rapid Capability Office and PAE Aviation said on Aug. 13, 2026, that they were investing $50 million with the Defense Innovation Unit to expand the military’s unmanned aviation portfolio. The funding extends risk-reduction work with Shield AI on Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike capabilities. Shield AI plans X-BAT’s first vertical flight in 2026, a mission-capability demonstration in 2028 and production beginning in 2029.