• Shield AI lands $150M Navy contract for X-BAT autonomous fighter jet.
• The jet will be built south of Seattle, with production starting in 2028.
• X-BAT is designed for vertical takeoff and landing, with a 1,000-nautical-mile combat radius.
• The program has cumulative commitments of $400 million.

This contract may indicate the Navy's growing interest in autonomous fighter jets, which could revolutionize naval aviation. The X-BAT's runway-independent design suggests a potential shift in military strategy, enabling operations from amphibious assault ships and commercial cargo decks, which could enhance the lethality and survivability of U.S. Naval Aviation.