Shield AI presented its new concept for an autonomous combat aircraft, the X-BAT, described by the company as the first vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter fully controlled by artificial intelligence.
The presentation took place during the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris, an event that marked one of the project’s largest international showcases since its unveiling in 2025.
The X-BAT was developed to operate without conventional runways, being able to take off and land vertically from ships, islands, improvised forward bases and other areas with limited infrastructure. According to Shield AI, the aircraft combines characteristics normally associated with manned fighters with the operational flexibility of modern drones.
The aircraft is equipped with the Hivemind artificial intelligence system, software developed by the company to enable autonomous operations even in environments where GPS signals and communications are unavailable or affected by interference.
According to Shield AI, the X-BAT will have a range of more than 3,700 kilometers, an operational ceiling of approximately 15,000 meters and capacity for air-to-air missions, ground attack, electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
The project uses a GE F110 engine, from the same family used in aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16 fighters, combined with thrust-vectoring technology to enable vertical operations.
The company said the first vertical takeoff and landing flights are scheduled to take place later in 2026, while initial operational capability is expected in 2028.
The program comes amid growing interest from the United States and its allies in autonomous aircraft capable of acting as force multipliers or unmanned “wingmen” alongside conventional fighters.
If the schedule is met, the X-BAT could become one of the most ambitious autonomous aircraft ever developed, reflecting the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence applied to air combat and the search for solutions less dependent on traditional air bases.
Photos: Shield AI / Mark Pfeiffer. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
