Shield AI MQ-35 V-BAT

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V-BAT (MQ-35A)
File:V-BAT lands on USS Carter Hall.jpg
V-BAT lands on USS Carter Hall in May 2023
General information
TypeUnmanned aerial vehicle
National originUnited States
ManufacturerShield AI
StatusIn service
Primary userUnited States Navy

Shield AI MQ-35A V-BAT is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Martin UAV, now Shield AI.

The V-BAT has been operationally deployed in multiple regions, including the Black Sea, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. In Ukraine, V-BATs have withstood electronic warfare (EW) attacks that have downed other UAVs.[1][2]

Design and capabilities

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The V-BAT's single-engine ducted fan enables it to take off and land vertically in confined spaces and to shift from hover to horizontal flight. Its autonomous software, branded as Shield AI’s Hivemind, includes visual odometry navigation capabilities for operating in GPS and communication denied environments. Its compact design and ability to hover makes it suitable for shipboard operations and confined land areas.[3]

In October 2023, Shield AI announced that the V-BAT had achieved drone-swarming capabilities, using Hivemind AI to enable multi-vehicle coordination and distributed autonomous operations.[4][5]

Service history

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United States

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In 2021, the United States Navy gave Shield AI a contract to prototype and develop the V-BAT.[6][7] On 21 December 2022, a V-BAT and a Skyways V2.6B UAV made the first unmanned cargo deliveries to a U.S. Navy ship at sea. Each UAV carried a cargo of 22.5 kg for 200 nm (370 km).[8]

In March 2023, the United States Army picked the V-BAT to compete in its Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition, Increment 2 to replace the RQ-7B Shadow. Shield AI teamed with Northrop Grumman for the competition.[9]

In July 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard awarded Shield AI a $198 million contract to provide maritime unmanned aircraft system services with the V-BAT. This marked one of the largest contractor-owned, contractor-operated UAV deployments for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).[10]

V-BAT has deployed with Marine expeditionary units.[11][12]

In December 2024, Shield and Palantir Technologies announced the deepening of their strategic partnership and deployment of Palantir's Warp Speed for V-BAT manufacturing.[13]

Brazil

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In February 2022, Brazilian company VSK Tactical ordered an undisclosed number of V-BATs for security and monitoring roles.[14]

India

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In November 2024, Shield AI agreed a joint venture with JSW Defense and Aerospace to make and test V-BAT drones in India. Under the deal, JSW is to invest $65 million within the year and a total of $90 million over two years to license technology, establish a "global compliance programme", build a factory, and train personnel.[15][16]

In July 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defence was in talks with Shield AI to buy V-BAT drones for the Indian Air Force. The initial contract will be worth $35 million, which is the upper limit for an emergency procurement contract.[17]

Japan

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In January 2025, the V-BAT was selected to operate from warships operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.[18]

Netherlands

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In July 2025, the Dutch Ministry of Defence bought an initial twelve V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems to improve maritime ISR operations for the Royal Netherlands Navy and Marine Corps.[19]

Operators

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Current operators

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Potential operators

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Accidents and incidents

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In April 2024, a V-BAT partially severed three fingers of a US Navy sailor who was helping it to land. Following this incident, US military customers imposed restrictions on its flight, while they investigated this matter for several months. Later, Shield AI modified the V-BAT so that it no longer required human assistance to launch and land.[23]

Specifications

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General characteristics

  • Crew: None
  • Length: 12.5 ft (3.8 m)
  • Wingspan: 9.6 ft (2.9 m)
  • Gross weight: 161 lb (73 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Heavy Fuel Engine (JP5)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 56 mph (90 km/h, 49 kn)
  • Endurance: 13+ hours
  • Service ceiling: 18,000 ft (5,500 m)

Avionics
Electro-optical (EO)/Mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras

See also

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References

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  18. ^ https://www.flightglobal.com/military-uavs/shield-ais-v-bat-to-operate-from-japanese-warships/161488.article
  19. ^ https://shield.ai/shield-ai-v-bat-selected-by-netherlands-ministry-of-defence-to-equip-navy-and-marine-corps/
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Company website

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