The Royal Netherlands Navy has acquired 12 V-BAT unmanned aerial systems following operational testing, including trials conducted during the Cold Response exercise off Norway.
According to the Dutch Navy, the V-BAT drones are equipped with radar and camera systems designed to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence over extended periods. The platform can operate for several hours at altitude, providing live data to naval operators.
Initial operational testing took place aboard the amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt during NATO’s Cold Response exercise. These trials focused on assessing how the drone performs under varying conditions, including turbulence on helicopter decks.
The Navy noted that each ship presents different airflow characteristics, requiring measurements before deploying the drone to ensure safe operations. During testing, operators received live imagery, allowing them to observe objects and assess potential maritime routes.
The V-BAT system is designed for compact deployment. According to the Ministry of Defense, the drone and its support equipment can be stored in several containers and operated from a small footprint of approximately 5 by 5 meters on a ship’s deck. The drone takes off vertically before transitioning into forward flight, enabling operations from vessels without requiring large launch infrastructure. Control systems for the 12 drones will be installed across eight Royal Netherlands Navy ships, expanding the fleet’s ability to deploy unmanned aerial surveillance from multiple platforms.
The acquisition process was completed faster than typical procurement timelines. The Ministry of Defense stated that the systems were purchased directly from the manufacturer under a NATO procurement framework, allowing accelerated delivery.
The V-BAT is produced by U.S.-based Shield AI. The company has developed the system with a focus on autonomous operation, including the ability to function without reliance on satellite communications.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the drone has demonstrated operational use in Ukraine, where its AI-enabled capabilities allow continued performance in environments where satellite links may be disrupted. From a technical perspective, the V-BAT is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system. This configuration enables launch and recovery from confined spaces, making it suitable for naval operations where deck space is limited.
The drone’s onboard sensors, including radar and electro-optical cameras, allow it to detect, track, and monitor targets, supporting reconnaissance and maritime domain awareness. Autonomy features supported by artificial intelligence allow the system to navigate and execute missions even in contested environments, where communication with operators may be degraded.