AssetID: 55227511
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Groundbreaking fighter drone driven by AI needs no runway to launch air strikes
Caption: A new futuristic fighter drone has been unveiled that is driven by AI. Shield AI, Inc., an American aerospace and defence technology company based in San Diego, California, unveiled its ominous new fighter drone, X-BAT, at an event in Washington, offering a chilling glimpse into the future of autonomous warfare. Powered by the cutting-edge AI brain known as Hivemind, the X-BAT is designed to fly 2,300 miles and strike enemy targets with precision — all without the need for a runway. X-BAT is a vertical takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft, able to operate independently or as a wingman alongside manned aircraft. Capable of executing air strikes, electronic warfare, and intelligence-gathering missions, it can also function autonomously in contested environments. Shield AI’s co-founder and president, Brandon Tseng — a former Navy SEAL — highlighted the vision behind the drone, stating: “At Shield AI, we believe the greatest victory requires no war. To make that belief real, we’re executing a simple but ambitious master plan: prove the value of autonomy, scale it across domains, and reimagine air power.” He further elaborated, saying: “X-BAT represents the next part of that plan, expanding U.S. and allied warfighting capacity through a transformative, runway-independent aircraft.” According to Shield AI, the drone’s advanced AI, powered by Hivemind, enables it to “autonomously penetrate contested battlespace, dynamically team with manned aircraft, and execute collaborative tactics without constant communications.” This technology allows the X-BAT to operate as a standalone asset or alongside other aircraft without the need for continuous communication. Armor Harris, Shield AI's senior vice president of aircraft, added: “X-BAT’s ability to autonomously operate standalone or collaboratively allows it to project power when other assets aren’t around and simplifies kill chains.” The drone’s capabilities are further underscored by its ability to fly with stealth, an extended range, and multi-role functionality. Unlike traditional aircraft, which require runways for takeoff and landing, the X-BAT can operate from upright trailers on aircraft carriers or remote islands with limited infrastructure. This makes it an ideal solution for areas where military assets and infrastructure are sparse, giving combatant commanders an edge in remote or high-risk areas. While similar in some ways to other autonomous fighter jets in development, the X-BAT’s unique ability to launch and land vertically — using an F-16-class engine with an afterburner and thrust vectoring nozzle — sets it apart. Harris confirmed that Shield AI is working closely with aerospace giants Pratt & Whitney and General Electric to develop the aircraft’s engine, drawing on older, lightly refurbished engines to avoid long wait times for new builds. "This is airpower without runways," Tseng emphasised. “Airpower that is everywhere means it creates an infinite number of dilemmas for the adversary to deal with." After 18 months of development, X-BAT has already undergone successful ground tests to validate its airframe and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Shield AI plans its first VTOL flights in fall 2026, with full mission capability flights expected by 2028.
Keywords: feature, photo feature, photo story, X-BAT, AI, autonomous warfare, Shield AI, VTOL, vertical takeoff and landing, precision strikes, stealth, Hivemind, airpower, combat commanders, remote locations, autonomous technology, military airpower, Brandon Tseng, Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, airframe, engine development, future of warfare
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