GE Aerospace has joined forces with Shield AI to co-develop advanced propulsion systems for the latter’s new X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) combat drone, a next-generation autonomous fighter designed for contested environments. The collaboration formalized through a memorandum of understanding will see the X-BAT powered by GE’s F110-GE-129 engine, featuring the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) technology that enables superior thrust vectoring and vertical flight performance.
Beyond propulsion design, GE Aerospace will also provide testing, engineering, and integration support throughout the program’s development phase. The partnership represents a significant step in merging AI-driven autonomy with proven jet propulsion systems, strengthening efforts to build future-ready aerial combat platforms capable of operating in high-threat zones without human intervention.
Shield AI first unveiled the X-BAT in October, describing it as a fully autonomous, AI-piloted VTOL fighter built for austere and GPS-denied battlefields. The platform runs on the company’s Hivemind artificial intelligence software, enabling it to fly, navigate, and engage targets autonomously, either as a loyal wingman or as part of a drone swarm supporting crewed aircraft.
By combining jet-class speed and agility with machine autonomy, the X-BAT marks a breakthrough in AI-enabled air dominance. The system can take off and land on short or damaged runways, operate in restricted zones, and deliver enhanced range, payload, and maneuverability. Building on the success of the V-BAT series, already deployed by the U.S. military, Shield AI’s X-BAT aims to redefine unmanned combat aviation with scalable, intelligent, and jet-powered performance.
