The US Coast Guard has successfully completed operational testing of the V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS), marking a key milestone ahead of its integration into the service’s cutter fleet.
Led by the Research and Development Center, the testing confirmed that the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone met all required performance standards without encountering any critical issues. The system demonstrated its reliability for shipboard use.
The V-BAT, developed by California-based Shield AI, was selected for investment and full lifecycle support in July 2024. Its compact design allows it to operate from smaller flight decks, making it ideal for a variety of cutter classes.
Once deployed, the drone will be used for continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, enhancing the Coast Guard’s situational awareness and maritime operations.
