Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Collaborate on AI-Piloted X-BAT VTOL Fighter
GE Aerospace partners with Shield AI to power the autonomous X-BAT VTOL fighter jet with F110 engine and cutting-edge AI software.
The landscape of aerial warfare is on the cusp of a monumental shift, driven by the fusion of artificial intelligence and advanced propulsion. A landmark collaboration announced on November 5, 2025, between GE Aerospace, a titan of engine manufacturing, and Shield AI, a defense technology innovator, perfectly encapsulates this evolution. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to power Shield AI’s new X-BAT vehicle, an AI-piloted fighter jet with vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capabilities. This partnership is not merely a business agreement; it represents a strategic convergence of legacy engineering prowess and disruptive AI-driven autonomy, promising to accelerate the development of next-generation unmanned combat aircraft.
At the heart of this collaboration is the integration of GE’s battle-tested F110-GE-129 engine and its advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) into the X-BAT platform. The X-BAT, unveiled on October 21, 2025, is designed to operate in contested and austere environments where traditional, human-piloted aircraft face significant risks. By leveraging Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, the X-BAT can function as a standalone asset or as a loyal wingman, executing complex missions without direct human control or reliance on GPS. This venture signals a clear trajectory for military aviation, where intelligent, adaptable, and survivable unmanned systems will play an increasingly critical role in maintaining air superiority.
The significance of this partnership extends beyond the technical specifications. It highlights a broader industry trend: the synergy between established defense contractors and agile, venture-backed tech startups. GE Aerospace brings decades of experience, reliability, and a proven track record in propulsion, while Shield AI contributes cutting-edge AI and a novel aircraft design. This combination aims to fast-track the journey from concept to operational capability, addressing the urgent need for scalable and resilient combat assets in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. The development of the X-BAT is poised to redefine tactical flexibility, offering the ability to deploy high-performance fighter jets from locations without traditional runways.
The selection of GE Aerospace’s F110 engine to power the X-BAT is a testament to the engine’s enduring legacy and performance. With over 11 million flight hours and 40 years of continuous production, the F110 is one of history’s most successful and reliable fighter engines. It powers a significant portion of the U.S. Air Force’s F-16C/D fleet, a clear indicator of its dependability in demanding scenarios. For the X-BAT, the F110-GE-129 variant provides a crucial foundation of proven power, delivering a thrust class of 29,000 pounds, which is essential for a high-performance tactical aircraft.
However, the true enabler of the X-BAT’s unique capability is the integration of GE’s Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN). This advanced piece of technology allows for 360-degree thrust vectoring, a critical component for achieving vertical take-off and landing. The AVEN manipulates the engine’s exhaust direction, providing the lift needed for vertical flight while also enhancing maneuverability during conventional, horizontal flight. This dual-use capability is what sets the X-BAT apart from other unmanned aerial vehicles, granting it unprecedented operational flexibility. It can be launched and recovered from virtually anywhere, drastically reducing its logistical footprint and dependence on vulnerable airbases.
This powerful Propulsion system is controlled by the “brain” of the aircraft: Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software. Hivemind is an AI pilot designed to enable aircraft to execute complex missions in environments where GPS and communications are denied. It is composed of three pillars: Hivemind Edge for on-board autonomous operation, Hivemind Design for development and simulation, and Hivemind Commander for the human-machine interface. This software allows the X-BAT to perceive its environment, make tactical decisions, and collaborate with other assets without constant human oversight. The Pentagon has already shown confidence in this technology, selecting Shield AI as a provider for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
“We’re excited to pair GE Aerospace’s proven experience in developing and scaling propulsion systems with Shield AI’s vehicle development to move faster from concept to capability.” – Amy Gowder, president and CEO, Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace.
The Shield AI X-BAT is not just another drone; it represents a new category of aircraft. Classified as a Group 5 unmanned aerial vehicle, it is described as an AI-piloted VTOL fighter jet. Its specifications are impressive, with a wingspan of 39 feet, a service ceiling exceeding 50,000 feet, and a maximum range of over 2,000 nautical miles. The aircraft is designed for combat, capable of carrying both air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions in internal bays and on external hardpoints, ensuring a low-observable profile when required.
The strategic advantage of the X-BAT lies in its operational efficiency and scalability. According to Shield AI, three X-BATs can be staged in the same deck space required for one legacy fighter jet, significantly increasing sortie generation rates from a given area. This is particularly crucial for naval operations or expeditionary forces operating in dispersed locations. The ability to launch a high-performance fighter without a runway fundamentally changes the calculus of air power projection, allowing for rapid deployment and unpredictable attack vectors that can overwhelm an adversary’s defenses. The development timeline for this ambitious project is aggressive, reflecting the urgency of its mission. Following its unveiling in October 2025, the first VTOL flights are scheduled for 2026, with the goal of achieving full mission capability by 2028. This rapid pace is made possible by the collaboration, which leverages GE’s existing, certified engine technology, thereby reducing the technical risk and development time typically associated with a new propulsion system. As Armor Harris, senior vice president of aircraft engineering at Shield AI, stated, “GE Aerospace’s F110 engine is one of the most successful and reliable fighter engines in history and has the operability characteristics that X-BAT’s VTOL design demands.”
The Partnerships between GE Aerospace and Shield AI is a microcosm of the defense industry’s future. It demonstrates that integrating mature, reliable systems with revolutionary AI and autonomy is the most effective path to fielding next-generation capabilities quickly. This model of collaboration allows the Department of Defense to leverage the innovation of tech startups without abandoning the proven performance and industrial scale of established prime contractors. The X-BAT program serves as a powerful example of how this synergy can produce a platform that is both technologically advanced and grounded in decades of operational experience.
Looking ahead, the success of the X-BAT could have profound implications for military doctrine and force structure. The concept of “scalable, survivable combat mass” becomes a tangible reality with platforms like the X-BAT. Air forces will be able to deploy large numbers of autonomous, attritable aircraft to overwhelm enemy air defenses, conduct high-risk reconnaissance missions, and provide persistent overwatch without endangering pilots. This shift will require new concepts of operation, new training paradigms for human operators who will command these autonomous fleets, and new ethical frameworks to govern the use of AI in warfare. The journey of the X-BAT from concept to reality will be a key indicator of how quickly and effectively the armed forces can adapt to this new era of autonomous combat.
Question: What is the X-BAT? Question: What is the nature of the collaboration between GE Aerospace and Shield AI? Question: What makes the X-BAT’s propulsion system unique? Question: What is Hivemind?
GE Aerospace and Shield AI: Forging a New Era in Autonomous Combat Aviation
The Convergence of Proven Power and Advanced Autonomy
A New Class of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
FAQ
Answer: The X-BAT is an AI-piloted, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter jet developed by Shield AI. It is designed to operate autonomously in contested environments, either independently or as a wingman to manned aircraft.
Answer: GE Aerospace and Shield AI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). GE will provide its F110-GE-129 engine and Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) to power the X-BAT, along with propulsion and testing support for the program.
Answer: The propulsion system combines the proven reliability and high thrust of the GE F110 engine with the advanced AVEN technology. The AVEN enables 360-degree thrust vectoring, which allows the aircraft to perform vertical take-offs and landings while also enhancing its maneuverability in traditional flight.
Answer: Hivemind is Shield AI’s proprietary AI pilot software. It enables the X-BAT to fly and execute complex missions autonomously, without needing GPS or direct human control, making it highly effective in communications-denied environments.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
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