United States Marines launched an MQ-35A V-BAT surveillance drone from the amphibious transport ship USS Portland during operations in the South China Sea.
According to Defence Blog, the activity took place on June 17 and involved personnel from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU), currently deployed in the region as part of the amphibious ready group led by the USS Boxer.
Developed by American company Shield AI, the V-BAT is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone that does not require a runway, catapult, or specialized launch equipment. The aircraft can operate from confined areas measuring approximately 6 by 6 meters, a feature that makes it particularly suitable for use aboard warships and other platforms with limited space.
According to information released about the operation, the MQ-35A weighs approximately 56.5 kilograms, has a wingspan of 3.8 meters, and can remain airborne for more than ten hours. These capabilities significantly enhance ships’ surveillance and reconnaissance capacity by providing over-the-horizon intelligence without the need to deploy manned aircraft.
The demonstration took place in one of the most contested maritime regions in the world. The South China Sea has long been the scene of tensions involving territorial claims by Beijing and several countries in the region. In recent years, the United States has expanded its use of drones and other surveillance assets to monitor maritime activity and strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The adoption of systems such as the V-BAT reflects a growing trend within the U.S. military to expand the use of shipborne unmanned platforms capable of providing continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance while reducing operational costs and minimizing risks to personnel.
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Photos: DVIDS. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
