Defense & Military
Shield AI Launches X-BAT AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet for Military Use
Shield AI unveils the X-BAT, an autonomous VTOL fighter jet with AI pilot Hivemind, designed for contested environments and runway independence.
In the evolving landscape of defense technology, the integration of AI and autonomous systems is a critical frontier. Shield AI, a company established in 2015 with a focus on intelligent systems for military applications, has taken a significant step in this domain. On October 22, 2025, the company unveiled the X-BAT, an AI-piloted fighter jet featuring vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. This announcement positions the X-BAT as a potential solution for modern military challenges, particularly in contested and logistically difficult environments.
The development of the X-BAT aligns with a broader strategic shift within the U.S. military, which is actively exploring the concept of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), often referred to as “loyal wingmen.” These autonomous or semi-autonomous Military-Aircraft are designed to augment existing fleets, providing enhanced capabilities, force multiplication, and increased survivability for crewed assets. The X-BAT, with its advanced AI pilot and runway independence, enters this conversation as a purpose-built platform for expeditionary and maritime operations where traditional airbases may be unavailable or vulnerable.
The unveiling, which took place in Washington, D.C., before an audience of military leaders and industry partners, marks Shield AI’s entry into the high-end aircraft development market. The X-BAT is not just an aircraft; it is a system built around the company’s core technology, the Hivemind AI pilot. This software is designed to enable complex autonomous maneuvers and decision-making, even in environments where communication with human operators is severed. As we examine the details of the X-BAT, its design philosophy and projected capabilities offer a glimpse into the future of airpower.
At the heart of the X-BAT is Shield AI’s Hivemind, an AI pilot that serves as the aircraft’s autonomous brain. This technology is engineered to allow the X-BAT to operate independently or as part of a larger, coordinated team of aircraft. A key feature of Hivemind is its ability to function effectively in communication-denied environments, a critical requirement for modern warfare where electronic jamming and cyber threats are prevalent. This ensures the aircraft can continue its mission without constant human oversight, acting as a reliable wingman or a standalone asset.
The integration of Hivemind is a culmination of Shield AI’s long-term Strategy to prove the value of autonomy and scale it across different military domains. While the X-BAT is designed around this proprietary AI, the company has indicated that the airframe can support autonomous software from other vendors as well, allowing for flexibility and interoperability. Hivemind has already been selected for other military autonomy programs, demonstrating a level of maturity and trust in its capabilities before being integrated into a new fighter-class platform.
This focus on AI-driven autonomy allows the X-BAT to perform complex missions that would be dangerous or impossible for human pilots. It can execute coordinated tactics, adapt to changing battlefield conditions, and manage its own systems, all while processing vast amounts of data to inform its actions. This level of intelligent operation is what defines the next generation of combat aircraft and is central to the X-BAT’s role as a force multiplier.
“Airpower without runways is the holy grail of deterrence. It gives our forces persistence, reach, and survivability, and it buys diplomacy another day.” – Brandon Tseng, Shield AI co-founder and president
The X-BAT’s physical design and performance specifications are tailored for demanding missions. The aircraft has a wingspan of 39 feet, a length of 26 feet, and is powered by a proven “F-16 class engine” equipped with an afterburner and a thrust vectoring nozzle for enhanced maneuverability. It is designed to operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and boasts a significant range of over 2,000 nautical miles while carrying a full mission payload. This combination of speed, altitude, and endurance allows it to project power over vast distances.
A key element of its versatility is its armament capacity. The X-BAT features both internal weapons bays and external hardpoints, enabling it to carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. The platform is designed to be compatible with standard armaments such as the AIM-120 and AIM-174B missiles, allowing it to engage in a wide variety of combat scenarios, from aerial dogfighting to ground-attack missions. This multirole capability is a core aspect of its design, as highlighted by Armor Harris, senior vice president of aircraft at Shield AI, who noted that the X-BAT combines VTOL, range, multirole capability, and autonomy. Perhaps the most revolutionary feature is its VTOL capability, which grants the X-BAT true runway independence. This allows it to be deployed from a wide range of platforms, including ships, unprepared fields on islands, or other austere locations. This flexibility drastically reduces the logistical footprint and reliance on vulnerable, fixed airbases. Furthermore, the aircraft’s compact design means that up to three X-BATs can fit in the deck space typically occupied by a single legacy fighter or Helicopters, enabling a higher density of airpower in a given area.
The X-BAT program has been in active development for 18 months, a period during which it has undergone extensive testing, including wind tunnel, pole, and engine evaluations. This foundational work has paved the way for the next phase of its development. Shield AI has announced a clear timeline for bringing the aircraft to operational status, with VTOL flight testing scheduled to begin in 2026. The company is targeting 2028 for the X-BAT to be fully mission capable and ready for deployment.
To achieve this ambitious timeline, Shield AI plans to announce key Partnerships in the coming weeks. These collaborations will be crucial for aspects such as airframe manufacturing and final engine selection, leveraging the expertise of established industry players to scale production and refine the platform. This strategic approach allows Shield AI to focus on its core competency, the Hivemind AI pilot, while relying on partners for the complex manufacturing processes involved in producing a high-performance aircraft.
The aircraft’s design has drawn comparisons to other advanced unmanned systems, such as the Northrop Grumman X-47B, due to its tailless, blended-wing-body fuselage. This design is inherently stealthy and aerodynamically efficient, suggesting that the X-BAT is built not only for versatility but also for survivability in contested airspace where low observability is a key advantage.
A central tenet of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft concept is affordability. These platforms are intended to be produced in larger numbers than traditional crewed fighters, and their potential loss in combat, while not desirable, must not be as strategically or financially damaging. The X-BAT is designed with this “affordable and attritable” philosophy in mind. Shield AI has stated that the aircraft will have a significantly lower acquisition and lifecycle cost compared to fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-35.
While specific figures are not finalized, the X-BAT is expected to be priced competitively with other CCA offerings, which are estimated to cost around $30 million per unit. This price point would allow the military to procure a substantial fleet of autonomous wingmen, expanding its air combat mass without the prohibitive cost of equivalent crewed aircraft. By fielding a larger number of capable, autonomous platforms, the military can create more complex tactical dilemmas for adversaries and absorb potential losses without compromising mission effectiveness.
This approach represents a strategic calculation: shifting the cost-benefit analysis of aerial combat. Instead of relying solely on a small number of exquisite, expensive platforms, the future air fleet will likely consist of a mix of crewed and uncrewed systems. The X-BAT is positioned to be a key player in this new paradigm, offering advanced capabilities in a package that is designed to be both effective and expendable if necessary.
The unveiling of the Shield AI X-BAT marks a notable moment in the progression of military aviation. By combining a VTOL airframe with a sophisticated AI pilot, the aircraft addresses several key challenges facing modern air forces: runway dependency, operational reach in contested zones, and the need for affordable combat mass. Its ability to operate from nearly any location, coupled with its long range and multirole capabilities, presents a compelling vision for the future of expeditionary warfare. As the X-BAT moves toward its first VTOL flights in 2026 and a target operational date of 2028, its development will be closely watched by the defense community. Its success could validate the concept of a highly autonomous, attritable fighter jet and pave the way for a new generation of airpower. The X-BAT is more than just a new piece of hardware; it represents a strategic reimagining of how air dominance is achieved and maintained in an increasingly complex and contested world.
Question: What is the Shield AI X-BAT? Question: What is the primary advantage of the X-BAT? Question: What AI system does the X-BAT use? Question: When is the X-BAT expected to be operational? Sources: Shield AI
Shield AI Introduces the X-BAT: An AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet
Core Capabilities and Design Philosophy
The Brains of the Operation: Hivemind AI
Performance and Strategic Versatility
Development, Timeline, and Market Positioning
From Concept to Reality
An Affordable and Attritable Asset
Conclusion: A New Era of Airpower
FAQ
Answer: The X-BAT is an AI-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet developed by Shield AI. It is designed to operate as an autonomous wingman or standalone asset in contested environments.
Answer: Its key advantage is the combination of VTOL capability and long range, which allows for “airpower without runways.” This enables deployment from ships, islands, and other austere locations, reducing reliance on traditional Airports.
Answer: The X-BAT is flown by Shield AI’s proprietary Hivemind AI pilot, which enables autonomous operations even in communication-denied environments.
Answer: VTOL flight testing is scheduled for 2026, with full mission capability expected by 2028.
Photo Credit: Shield AI
Defense & Military
Turkish Air Force F-16 Crashes Near Balıkesir Killing Pilot
A Turkish Air Force F-16 crashed during a mission flight near Balıkesir, resulting in the pilot’s death. Investigation into the cause is ongoing.
This article summarizes reporting by Times of India and TOI World Desk.
A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a mission flight in the early hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, resulting in the death of its pilot. The aircraft went down in the western province of Balıkesir shortly after taking off from a local air base.
According to reporting by the Times of India, the jet was assigned to the 9th Main Jet Base Command. Contact with the aircraft was lost minutes into the flight, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation that subsequently located the wreckage near a major highway.
The F-16 reportedly took off around 00:50 local time for a scheduled mission. Radar and radio contact were lost shortly after departure. Footage circulating on social media and cited by the Times of India appears to show the aircraft descending near the Istanbul-Izmir highway, followed by a fire at the impact site.
Emergency teams, including police and medical units, were dispatched to the scene immediately after the alarm was raised. The wreckage was discovered scattered across a wide area near the highway, confirming the total loss of the airframe.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense confirmed the pilot’s death in a formal statement. Officials used the term “martyred” to describe the loss of the service member. Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu also addressed the incident publicly.
“One of our F-16 aircraft belonging to the squadron of the Balıkesir 9th Main Jet Base Command crashed during a mission flight around 00:50, and one of our pilots has been martyred.”
Balıkesir Governor İsmail Ustaoğlu (via Times of India)
The Balıkesir Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a judicial investigation into the crash. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that prosecutors have visited the site to begin their examination. As of Wednesday morning, the specific cause of the crash, whether technical failure or other factors, remains under investigation. The 9th Main Jet Base in Balıkesir is a critical hub for Turkey’s F-16 operations, often hosting “Cobra” and “Tiger” squadrons. While F-16s are a staple of the Turkish Air Force, night mission accidents highlight the inherent risks of high-tempo military aviation operations. The proximity to the Istanbul-Izmir highway suggests the pilot may have been attempting to avoid populated areas or infrastructure during the descent, though this will only be confirmed by the flight data recorder analysis.
Sources: Times of India
Flight Details and Crash Timeline
Official Statements and Investigation
AirPro News analysis
Photo Credit: X
Defense & Military
Virginia Approves $97.7M Incentive for Avio USA Rocket Factory
Avio USA plans a $500M solid rocket motor factory in Virginia with 1,000+ jobs, backed by a $97.7M state incentive package.
This article is based on an official press release from Avio.
Avio USA, the American subsidiary of Italian aerospace leader Avio S.p.A., has selected Hurt, Virginia, as the site for a new solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing facility. According to an official announcement from the company, the project represents a capital investment of more than $500 million and is expected to create over 1,000 jobs in Pittsylvania County.
The selection follows the approval of a significant incentive package by state officials. Subject to final sign-off by the Virginia General Assembly, Avio USA will be eligible for a Major Employment and Investment Project (MEI) special appropriation of up to $97.7 million. The facility will focus on producing motors for defense systems, tactical propulsion, and commercial space sectors.
The new facility aims to address critical supply chain needs in the U.S. defense industrial base. In a company press release, Avio USA CEO VADM (Ret.) James Syring emphasized that the factory would directly support efforts to ramp up missile production for government customers.
“With more than a century of propulsion leadership, Avio’s proven capabilities, industrial expertise, and enduring legacy uniquely position us to strengthen and scale the U.S. defense industrial base.”
, VADM (Ret.) James Syring, CEO of Avio USA
Governor Abigail Spanberger welcomed the deal as a “historic investment” for Southern Virginia. She noted that the project would revitalize domestic production of essential defense technologies while boosting the local economy through high-quality employment opportunities.
The factory will be located in Hurt, a town in Pittsylvania County. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery highlighted the region’s “prepared sites, skilled workforce, and strong regional partnerships” as key factors in securing the project. The $97.7 million incentive package reflects the scale of the commitment, which state leaders believe will cement Virginia’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
According to Avio, the site selection process was influenced by the state’s “business-friendly climate” and the Virginia Talent Accelerator program, which assists companies in recruiting and training specialized workforces. The establishment of a new SRM factory in the United States comes at a pivotal moment for the global defense industry. Since the early 2020s, Western nations have faced significant bottlenecks in the production of solid rocket motors, which are essential for everything from shoulder-fired anti-tank weapons to strategic missile interceptors.
By localizing production in Virginia, Avio USA is likely positioning itself to capture a larger share of U.S. Department of Defense contracts, reducing reliance on the limited number of existing domestic suppliers. This move aligns with broader Pentagon initiatives to diversify the supply chain and eliminate single points of failure in the production of tactical munitions.
What will the new Avio USA factory produce? How many jobs will be created? What is the value of the incentives offered?
Virginia Approves $97.7M Incentive Package for Avio USA’s New Rocket Factory
Strategic Investment in Defense Capabilities
Location and Economic Impact
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The facility will manufacture solid rocket motors (SRMs) used in defense missile systems, tactical propulsion, and commercial space launch vehicles.
Avio USA projects the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in Pittsylvania County.
Virginia has proposed a special appropriation of up to $97.7 million, contingent on the company meeting its investment target of over $500 million.
Sources
Photo Credit: Avio
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace Awarded Contract to Enhance USAF T-38 Engine Readiness
GE Aerospace partners with DLA and Palantir to use AI for predictive logistics, improving readiness of the USAF T-38 Talon’s J85 engine amid T-7A delays.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace and includes additional context from industry reports.
GE Aerospace has secured a contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to implement advanced digital fleet management capabilities for the J85 engine, the power plant behind the U.S. Air Force’s primary training aircraft, the T-38 Talon. Announced on February 24, 2026, the agreement aims to improve readiness rates for the aging training fleet through the use of AI and predictive analytics.
According to the company’s official statement, this marks the first application of GE’s “TrueChoice™ Defense” digitally enabled contract model for the J85 engine. The program is designed to shift maintenance strategies from reactive repairs to predictive supply chain optimization, ensuring that the Air-Forces can maintain pilot training schedules despite the advanced age of the T-38 fleet.
The contract structure includes an initial seven-month base period, followed by a four-year, five-month option period. Under this agreement, GE Aerospace will collaborate with data analytics firm Palantir to integrate disparate data streams across the U.S. Air Force, the DLA, and GE’s own enterprise systems.
The core technical objective of the contract is to consolidate data from over 6,000 individual J85 engine parts to predict supply needs before they become critical bottlenecks. By utilizing Palantir’s platform, the program aims to provide a unified view of the sustainment ecosystem, allowing decision-makers to identify emerging constraints months in advance.
In the press release, GE Aerospace noted that the contract builds upon a successful test program. This pilot effort demonstrated that advanced analytics could significantly improve supply chain visibility and reduce delays, which have previously hampered the availability of training aircraft.
“This contract directly supports increased readiness for the J85 engine and the U.S. Air Force’s primary training fleet. By integrating data across the enterprise and applying AI to predict demand and identify constraints earlier, we are helping the Air Force keep more aircraft available to ensure our airmen get the training required to execute on their mission.”
, Asha Belarski, General Manager of Customer Support and Sustainment for Defense & Systems, GE Aerospace
While the press release focuses on the technical capabilities of the new contract, industry context highlights the urgency of maintaining the T-38 fleet. The T-38 Talon has been in service since the 1960s and serves as the primary jet trainer for Air Force fighter and bomber pilots. According to defense sector reporting, the fleet has faced significant readiness challenges in recent years, with engine repair delays contributing to pilot training backlogs in 2023 and 2024. The sustainment of the J85 engine is critical due to delays in the T-38’s replacement program. The Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk, originally scheduled to replace the Talon sooner, has faced production and development hurdles. With full-rate production of the T-7A delayed until 2026 and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) estimated for the 2027–2028 timeframe, the Air Force must rely on the T-38 for several more years. This GE Aerospace contract serves as a vital bridge, ensuring the legacy fleet remains operational until the next generation of trainers comes online.
This contract represents a broader shift within the Pentagon toward “predictive logistics.” Historically, defense maintenance has often been reactive, fixing components after they fail or ordering parts only when inventory runs low. The partnership between GE Aerospace and Palantir signifies a move toward commercial-style “just-in-time” logistics, adapted for the rigors of military operations.
By integrating data silos, where the DLA, the Air Force, and the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) previously held separate datasets, the program attempts to eliminate the “fog of logistics.” For the Air Force, the success of this program is not just about engine health; it is directly tied to the pilot production pipeline. If the T-38s cannot fly due to missing turbine blades or washers, the output of new fighter pilots stalls, creating downstream readiness issues for combat squadrons.
The General Electric J85 is a small, single-shaft turbojet engine. It is one of GE’s most successful military engines and has powered the Northrop T-38 Talon since the aircraft entered service in 1961.
The T-38 fleet is over 60 years old and requires intensive maintenance to remain airworthy. With the replacement T-7A Red Hawk delayed, the Air Force needs to extend the life and reliability of the T-38 to prevent gaps in pilot training. This contract uses AI to ensure parts are available to keep the jets flying.
GE Aerospace is partnering with Palantir Technologies to use their data integration and AI platforms. Palantir’s software will aggregate data from the Air Force, DLA, and GE to predict part failures and supply shortages before they occur.
GE Aerospace Selected by DLA to Enhance T-38 Readiness via AI-Driven Logistics
Integrating AI into Defense Supply Chains
Strategic Context: Bridging the Gap to the T-7A
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the J85 engine?
Why is this contract necessary now?
What is the role of Palantir in this agreement?
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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