Shield AI Unveils X-BAT AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet, Targeting $27 Million Unit Cost

WASHINGTON D.C. – Shield AI, a defense technology company, officially unveiled its X-BAT, an AI-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet, this week at an event in Washington D.C. The advanced autonomous aircraft is designed for expeditionary and maritime operations, aiming to significantly expand U.S. and allied warfighting capabilities without reliance on traditional runways. The launch marks a major milestone for the company, which was founded in 2015 and is now valued at $5.3 billion.

Early investor David Frankel reflected on the company's journey, stating on social media, > "When we seed funded Ryan, Brandon and Andrew @shieldaitech in 2016, I had no idea of what this could become & forever grateful to this team for the grit, smarts and insane work ethic. X-BAT launched this week..." The company's co-founders are Brandon Tseng, Ryan Tseng, and Andrew Reiter.

The X-BAT is powered by Shield AI's proprietary Hivemind AI autonomy software, enabling it to operate in communications-denied and GPS-degraded environments. This AI allows the jet to autonomously penetrate contested battlespace, team with manned aircraft, and execute collaborative tactics. Brandon Tseng, Shield AI co-founder and president, emphasized the strategic importance, stating, "Airpower without runways is the holy grail of deterrence."

Key features of the X-BAT include a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles with a full mission payload and multirole capabilities for strike, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The design aims for affordability, with Shield AI targeting a production cost of approximately $27 million per unit, a fraction of the cost of current fifth-generation fighter jets. The company plans initial VTOL flight tests in late 2026, with full operational validation anticipated by 2028.

Shield AI's entry into the autonomous fighter jet market positions it as a significant player in the evolving defense landscape, competing with established primes and other startups in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The company, which recently secured $240 million in funding, highlights its commitment to protecting service members and civilians through intelligent systems.