GE Aerospace, Shield AI, and Poland’s Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 (WZL-2) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore establishing maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities in Poland for the propulsion system of Shield AI’s X-BAT aircraft.
The effort will cover the GE F110 engine and its Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN), which redirects engine thrust to support vertical takeoff and landing and improve maneuverability during forward flight.
X-BAT is an AI-piloted fighter designed to operate from ships, roads, and small sites without conventional runways.
Developing local engine support would allow Polish industry to maintain its propulsion system for aircraft potentially produced for Poland or export.
To assess that possibility, the partners will examine the facilities, equipment, and workforce training needed to service the engine and nozzle.
Building on Polish Industrial Cooperation
The agreement builds on a September letter of intent between Shield AI, Polish defense group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), and WZL-2 to cooperate on X-BAT’s design, production, delivery, and long-term support in Poland.
GE Aerospace’s involvement brings the engine manufacturer into that broader effort, allowing propulsion maintenance requirements to be considered alongside aircraft development and production planning.
“Few countries in Europe are investing in advanced technology at Poland’s scale, and WZL-2 has already started building F110 engine expertise with GE Aerospace,” said Ryan Tseng, Shield AI’s president, co-founder, and chief strategy officer.
The cooperation also follows Poland’s June announcement that it would acquire Shield AI’s V-BAT drones for naval intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
An undisclosed number is due for delivery by year-end for deployment aboard a Polish naval vessel.