The US Navy has approved another $150 million for Shield AI’s X-BAT vertical takeoff fighter, funding further development ahead of planned flight tests later this year.
The contract modification draws on the Pentagon’s Defense Exportability Features program. Shield AI will match the government funding with another $150 million of its own capital.
The new funding follows a separate $50-million government investment announced in August under the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike effort. Shield AI matched that earlier funding, bringing announced government and company commitments to X-BAT to $400 million.
X-BAT is designed to take off and land vertically from ships, islands, and remote sites without conventional runways. Shield AI plans to use its Hivemind software as to autonomously operate the aircraft, allowing it to operate in environments where communications are disrupted.
X-BAT Draws New Industry Partnerships
Shield AI has also secured partnerships covering the aircraft’s engine, production, and potential overseas support.
In July, GE Aerospace and Shield AI completed engine light-off testing after integrating a thrust-vectoring nozzle with the F110-GE-129E engine selected to power X-BAT. The nozzle directs engine thrust to support vertical takeoff and landing.
Shield AI announced its planned US production and test locations in September. X-Forge 2 at Newton City-County Airport in Kansas will handle flight testing and sustainment, while X-Forge 3 in Des Moines, Washington, will manufacture the aircraft. A third site in Frisco, Texas, is part of the planned production and delivery network.
Shield AI is also pursuing industrial partnerships overseas. In October, Shield AI and Greek infrastructure group GEK TERNA entered into an agreement to explore parts production, aircraft integration, and long-term support for X-BAT in Greece.
In September, Shield AI signed a letter of intent with Poland’s PGZ and WZL-2 covering potential X-BAT design, production, delivery, and sustainment work.