Shield AI Receives Additional $150M for X-BAT Vertical Takeoff Fighter — The US Navy has approved an additional $150 million for Shield AI’s X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing fighter, supporting further development ahead of planned flight tests later this year. The contract modification draws on the Pentagon’s Defense Exportability Features program, with Shield AI matching the government contribution through another $150 million of its own investment. The funding follows a separate $50-million government commitment announced in August under the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike initiative. Including the company’s matching contributions, announced government and industry funding for X-BAT has reached $400 million. The aircraft is designed to take off and land vertically from ships, islands, and remote locations without conventional runways. Shield AI intends to use its Hivemind autonomy software to operate the aircraft in environments where communications are disrupted. The company is also establishing partnerships covering propulsion, manufacturing, flight testing, and international support. In July, GE Aerospace and Shield AI completed engine light-off testing after integrating a thrust-vectoring nozzle with the selected F110-GE-129E engine, allowing thrust to be redirected for vertical flight operations. In September, Shield AI announced plans for several US facilities: X-Forge 2 at Newton City-County Airport in Kansas for flight testing and sustainment, X-Forge 3 in Des Moines, Washington, for manufacturing, and a planned production and delivery site in Frisco, Texas. Internationally, the company partnered with Greece’s GEK TERNA in October to explore component manufacturing, aircraft integration, and long-term support, while a September letter of intent with Poland’s PGZ and WZL-2 covered potential design, production, delivery, and sustainment activities.
