Shield AI secures $150 million U.S. Navy funding to advance X‑BAT VTOL drone

Shield AI announced a $150 million modification to an existing Other Transaction with the U.S. Navy to continue development of its X‑BAT vertical‑take‑off and landing unmanned combat aircraft under the Defense Exportability Features program.

The company also signed a memorandum in Athens with Greek contractor GEK TERNA to develop component production, aircraft integration, support equipment, launch facilities, training and maintenance, positioning Greece as a regional hub for training, logistics and sustainment, while planning X‑BAT flight tests before the end of 2026 and production start in 2029.