What Happened
Autonomous VTOL Combat Aircraft Development Advances With New Funding
The US Navy has awarded Shield AI an additional $150 million to develop its X-BAT autonomous fighter jet, capable of taking off and landing vertically. The funding is intended to prepare the aircraft for future exports by incorporating technology safeguards. Shield AI will invest another $150 million of its own money, bringing total announced investment in X-BAT to $400 million. The company has also partnered with Greek infrastructure group GEK TERNA to explore manufacturing X-BAT components and establishing maintenance facilities in Greece. According to AeroTime, the latest funding is part of the Defense Exportability Features program, which helps US defense companies develop exportable weapons.