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.
Shield AI Introduces the X-BAT: An AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet
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.
Core Capabilities and Design Philosophy
The Brains of the Operation: Hivemind AI
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
Performance and Strategic Versatility
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.
Development, Timeline, and Market Positioning
From Concept to Reality
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.
An Affordable and Attritable Asset
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.
Conclusion: A New Era of Airpower
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.
FAQ
Question: What is the Shield AI X-BAT?
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.
Question: What is the primary advantage of the X-BAT?
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.
Question: What AI system does the X-BAT use?
Answer: The X-BAT is flown by Shield AI’s proprietary Hivemind AI pilot, which enables autonomous operations even in communication-denied environments.
Question: When is the X-BAT expected to be operational?
Answer: VTOL flight testing is scheduled for 2026, with full mission capability expected by 2028.
Sources: Shield AI
Photo Credit: Shield AI
Defense & Military
Raytheon Delivers First Next Generation Jammer Pods to RAAF
Raytheon delivers first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods to the Royal Australian Air Force, enhancing electronic attack capabilities on EA-18G Growlers.
This article is based on an official press release from Raytheon (RTX).
Raytheon Delivers First Next Generation Jammer Pods to the Royal Australian Air Force
Raytheon, an RTX business, has officially announced the delivery of its first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). According to a company press release issued on April 20, 2026, this initial delivery of shipsets was completed ahead of schedule in September 2025, with subsequent deliveries planned to continue throughout 2026.
The NGJ-MB program, officially designated as the AN/ALQ-249, represents a major cooperative development and production effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence. The system is an advanced airborne electronic attack platform designed to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communication systems, allowing allied aircrews to operate safely in contested environments.
To ensure the RAAF maintains operational and mission readiness, Raytheon noted in its release that it is providing on-site deployment and maintenance support directly in Australia.
Upgrading the Electronic Attack Arsenal
Transitioning from Legacy Systems
The introduction of the NGJ-MB marks a generational leap in electronic warfare. Based on supplementary research data, the NGJ program was initiated to replace the aging AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in active service since 1972. The legacy ALQ-99 system has increasingly faced reliability issues and interference challenges with modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar-Systems.
In contrast, the new NGJ-MB utilizes its own AESA technology radiating in the mid-band frequency range. Furthermore, research indicates that the system features a fully digital, Software-defined architecture, enabling rapid updates to counter emerging electromagnetic threats.
“This Delivery marks a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and RAAF on NGJ. This advanced technology will greatly enhance RAAF’s electronic warfare capabilities, safeguarding vital assets on its aircraft and more effectively neutralizing adversary technologies across a wide range of missions.”
Integration with the EA-18G Growler
The NGJ-MB pods are designed to be externally mounted on the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. According to defense research reports, the RAAF currently operates a fleet of 11 EA-18G Growlers assigned to No. 6 Squadron, stationed at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The integration of these advanced jamming pods is a core component of Australia’s broader “Project AIR 5349 Phase 6,” a $6 billion initiative aimed at comprehensively upgrading the RAAF’s Growler fleet to match current U.S. capabilities.
Program Milestones and Combat-Proven Technology
Recent Deployments and Contracts
The NGJ-MB system arrives in Australia with a proven operational track record. According to defense research, the U.S. Navy officially declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in December 2024. Shortly thereafter, the jammer saw its first combat deployment in 2024 with the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133) aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, where it was utilized during operations against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
Following these successful deployments, Raytheon secured a $580 million follow-on production contract from the U.S. Navy in May 2025. This contract, which runs through 2028, covers additional NGJ-MB systems for both U.S. and RAAF operations.
“Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars…”
Progress on the Low-Band Increment
The NGJ program is an evolutionary acquisition divided into multiple spectrum increments. While Raytheon is delivering the Mid-Band pods, progress is also underway for the Low-Band variant (NGJ-LB). Research data shows that in August 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded L3Harris a $587.4 million contract for the engineering and Manufacturing development of the NGJ-LB system, which is also being developed cooperatively with Australia.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view the accelerated delivery of the NGJ-MB to the RAAF as a critical indicator of deepening defense interoperability between the United States and Australia. As the strategic focus shifts heavily toward the Indo-Pacific region, spectrum dominance is becoming just as vital as traditional air superiority. The transition to software-defined electronic attack systems like the NGJ-MB highlights a broader defense industry trend: the necessity for agile, easily upgradable platforms that can adapt to rapidly evolving surface-to-air missile systems and advanced adversary radars. By equipping its EA-18G Growlers with this technology, the RAAF is significantly enhancing the survivability of allied 4th and 5th-generation fighters in highly contested airspaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB)?
The NGJ-MB (AN/ALQ-249) is an advanced airborne electronic attack system developed by Raytheon. It uses active electronically scanned arrays to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communications.
Which aircraft will carry the NGJ-MB for Australia?
The Royal Australian Air Force will mount the NGJ-MB pods on its fleet of 11 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, based at RAAF Base Amberley.
What system is the NGJ replacing?
The NGJ program is designed to replace the legacy AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in service since 1972.
Sources: Raytheon Press Release
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
Boeing Delivers B-52 Co-Pilot Keyboards Over a Year Early
Boeing delivered new co-pilot keyboards early to support the US Air Force’s $48.6B B-52 modernization and 2026 flight testing.
This article is based on an internal press release from Boeing. The original report is hosted on an internal employee portal; this article summarizes publicly available elements and provided research context.
The Boeing Company has achieved a significant localized supply chain and manufacturing victory in its effort to modernize the United States Air Force’s aging bomber fleet. According to an internal Boeing News Network release, cross-functional teams successfully collaborated to deliver new co-pilot keyboards for the B-52 Stratofortress more than a year ahead of schedule.
This early delivery marks a critical step in transforming the bomber’s antiquated analog flight deck into a 21st-century digital workspace. The B-52 first flew in 1952, and the current fleet of 76 B-52H bombers requires extensive upgrades to remain operational. Based on research data provided to AirPro News, the U.S. Air Force is currently executing a massive $48.6 billion modernization program designed to keep these airframes flying into the 2050s, at which point the aircraft will be nearly a century old.
By securing these vital cockpit components well ahead of the projected timeline, Boeing is actively supporting the ongoing 2026 flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base. The early arrival of the co-pilot keyboards ensures that test aircraft have the necessary avionics hardware to proceed with integration and evaluation without delay.
Replacing the Cold War Cockpit
To understand the significance of a new co-pilot keyboard, we must look at the current state of the B-52H flight deck. The legacy cockpit is notoriously cramped and relies heavily on outdated analog technology. Aircrews have long managed complex, modern mission sets using hardware that visually belongs to a bygone era.
Highlighting the stark contrast between the aircraft’s age and its capabilities, a B-52 instructor weapon systems officer noted in a 2024 interview provided in our research context:
“You look at this keyboard, it looks like something out of the Cold War. Dr. Strangelove, right?”
Despite its antiquated appearance, the instructor confirmed that crews could still execute every mission set, including deploying the most advanced weapons, using the legacy interface. However, as the aircraft transitions to the new B-52J designation, these older systems are being entirely replaced.
The “Glass Cockpit” Transformation
According to program documentation, the dashboard of analog dials is being ripped out in favor of a modern “glass cockpit.” This upgrade includes four large 8×10 color multifunction digital displays, new data concentrator units, and a digital-mechanical hybrid throttle system.
The newly delivered co-pilot keyboards are central to this digital overhaul. Research indicates that these keyboards will interface directly with the aircraft’s upgraded mission computers and the Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) system. The CONECT system is a vital modernization feature that allows crews to change mission plans and retarget weapons in flight via satellite. Furthermore, the keyboards will integrate with the bomber’s new digital engine gauges, providing the co-pilot with streamlined control over the aircraft’s modernized systems.
The $48.6 Billion B-52J Modernization Effort
The early delivery of the co-pilot keyboards does not exist in a vacuum; it supports two massive, concurrent upgrade programs currently being integrated by Boeing at its facilities in San Antonio, Texas, and Oklahoma City. These initiatives are essential to the bomber’s redesignation as the B-52J.
Radar and Engine Overhauls
The first major initiative is the Radar Modernization Program (RMP). According to defense research data, Boeing is replacing the B-52’s failing 1960s mechanical radar with a new Raytheon AN/APQ-188 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a system derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet. This upgrade requires entirely new high-definition touchscreens and controller interfaces for the navigators and pilots. In December 2025, Boeing delivered the first B-52 equipped with this new radar to Edwards Air Force Base for ground and flight testing, which is taking place throughout 2026.
Concurrently, the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) is underway. The Air Force is replacing the bomber’s eight obsolete Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with modern, fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce F130 engines. In late December 2025 and early January 2026, the Pentagon awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to begin modifying the first two test aircraft with these new engines and their associated digital cockpit controls.
AirPro News analysis
From an industry perspective, the early delivery of the co-pilot keyboards is a notable victory for supply-chain resilience and program momentum. Defense manufacturing has been heavily plagued by post-pandemic supply chain bottlenecks, parts shortages, and siloed engineering in recent years.
The broader B-52 modernization effort has faced intense scrutiny. In 2025, the Pentagon reported that the B-52 engine modernization program could face delays pushing it into 2026, while the radar program had suffered a cost breach. By delivering the co-pilot keyboards more than a year early, Boeing’s internal teams are actively clawing back schedule margins. This cross-functional teamwork not only offsets previous program delays but also guarantees that the test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base will not be held up by avionics hardware shortages during their critical 2026 evaluation phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B-52 Modernization Program?
It is a $48.6 billion initiative by the U.S. Air Force to upgrade its fleet of 76 Cold War-era B-52H bombers. The upgrades include new Rolls-Royce engines, a modern AESA radar, and a digital “glass cockpit,” which will result in the aircraft being redesignated as the B-52J.
Why is the early delivery of the co-pilot keyboard important?
The new keyboards are essential for interfacing with the upgraded mission computers, digital engine gauges, and satellite communication systems. Delivering them more than a year early helps offset other program delays and ensures that 2026 flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base remains on schedule.
How long will the B-52 remain in service?
With the current modernization efforts, the U.S. Air Force plans to keep the B-52 fleet operational into the 2050s, meaning the airframes will fly for nearly 100 years.
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
GoPro Expands into Defense and Aerospace Markets with Oliver Wyman
GoPro partners with Oliver Wyman to enter defense and aerospace sectors after 2025 revenue decline, leveraging technology tested on NASA’s Artemis II mission.
GoPro Pivots Toward Defense and Aerospace Markets
On April 13, 2026, GoPro, Inc. officially announced a strategic expansion beyond its traditional consumer action camera market, setting its sights on the highly regulated defense, government, and aerospace sectors. According to a company press release, the technology firm has engaged management consulting firm Oliver Wyman to identify scalable operational use cases and develop comprehensive go-to-market strategies.
This pivot comes at a critical juncture for the company. Following a challenging 2025 fiscal year, GoPro is seeking to leverage its reputation for rugged, high-quality imaging technology to capture lucrative enterprise and government contracts. The move aligns with a broader industry trend of defense agencies adopting commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies to reduce costs and accelerate deployment.
Strategic Partnership with Oliver Wyman
Identifying Dual-Use Applications
GoPro’s engagement with Oliver Wyman’s Aerospace and Defense practice aims to navigate the complex procurement processes inherent in government contracting. The press release notes that the project scope includes analyzing addressable market segments, exploring technology synergies, and ensuring compliance with stringent performance and security requirements.
Both organizations plan to work closely with defense and aerospace stakeholders to ensure that GoPro’s industry-leading video stabilization and image quality can be effectively integrated into mission-critical environments.
“Defense and aerospace customers are increasingly adopting dual-use, commercially available technologies to move faster and operate with greater cost efficiency,” said Timothy Wickham, Partner in the Aerospace and Defense practice at Oliver Wyman, in the press release. “The opportunity is significant and growing.”
From Extreme Sports to Deep Space
The Artemis II Proving Ground
The formal push into aerospace follows a high-profile demonstration of GoPro’s hardware resilience. On April 1, 2026, NASA launched the Artemis II mission, which utilized modified GoPro cameras. Industry research reports that ruggedized HERO4 Black cameras were mounted externally on the Orion spacecraft’s solar array wings, successfully withstanding microgravity, radiation, and reentry heat. Additionally, the crew utilized consumer-grade HERO11 Black and MAX1 cameras inside the cabin to document the historic voyage.
“For years, GoPro cameras have been used in numerous diverse use cases in these sectors, including recently being mounted to the solar array wings on the Artemis II Orion spacecraft,” stated GoPro founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman in the official announcement.
Woodman added that the collaboration with Oliver Wyman will help the company determine more formal and scalable opportunities while accounting for the operational and regulatory dynamics of these new markets.
Financial Headwinds and Market Opportunities
2025 Financial Performance
The diversification strategy is underpinned by recent financial headwinds. According to industry market data, GoPro experienced a 19% year-over-year revenue decline in 2025, dropping to $652 million. Camera unit sell-through fell by 20% to approximately 2 million units, resulting in a GAAP net loss of $93 million. The company’s subscriber base also saw a 7% decline, settling at 2.36 million.
The Dual-Use Market Boom
By targeting the defense and aerospace sectors, GoPro is entering a rapidly expanding market. Research data indicates that the global GovTech dual-use defense platform market was valued at $31.0 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $99.8 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2%. Furthermore, the broader global unmanned systems market, valued at $29.3 billion in 2025, is forecast to reach $67.6 billion by 2033, with North America accounting for over 44% of the market share.
AirPro News analysis
We view GoPro’s strategic pivot as a necessary evolution to insulate the company from the volatility of the consumer retail market. With the anticipated Q2 2026 launch of its next-generation AI-enabled image processor, the GP3, GoPro has an opportunity to position its upgraded technology for high-margin enterprise applications. Success in this arena will depend heavily on the company’s ability to adapt its consumer hardware to meet strict military-grade specifications and successfully navigate the bureaucratic complexities of defense procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is GoPro entering the defense and aerospace markets?
Following a 19% revenue decline in 2025, GoPro is seeking to diversify its revenue streams by offering its rugged, high-quality imaging technology to government and enterprise clients, capitalizing on the growing demand for dual-use commercial technologies.
What role did GoPro play in the Artemis II mission?
During the April 1, 2026 launch of Artemis II, NASA utilized modified GoPro HERO4 Black cameras on the exterior solar array wings of the Orion spacecraft, while astronauts used HERO11 Black and MAX1 cameras inside the cabin.
Who is Oliver Wyman?
Oliver Wyman is a global management consulting firm and a business of Marsh. GoPro has engaged their Aerospace and Defense practice to help identify operational use cases and develop go-to-market strategies for government contracts.
Sources
Photo Credit: GoPro
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