The U.S.-designed V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by Shield AI, is currently undergoing battlefield testing in Ukraine to assess its resilience against advanced Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems, according to Defense Express.
Shield AI CEO Brandon Tseng confirmed the deployment in an interview with Defense One, noting that the V-BAT drones arrived in Ukraine in June with the support of American technical teams to conduct trials in real combat conditions.
Shield AI reports that the V-BAT’s design has allowed it to withstand the effects of Russian EW, a capability few UAVs have managed to maintain in the area. Ukrainian military sources reported a successful mission involving the V-BAT, which identified a Russian missile storage facility 100 kilometers behind enemy lines in the Kherson region. Following this reconnaissance, the target was destroyed in a HIMARS strike.
The V-BAT drone, weighing 56.5 kg with an 11 kg payload capacity, features advanced optics and artificial intelligence-driven target recognition, enabling precise intelligence gathering and surveillance. It can remain airborne for up to 10 hours, making it a valuable asset for extended operations. Its unique vertical takeoff and landing capability requires only a 4×4 meter area, which increases its deployment flexibility. This capability, powered by a single fan-enclosed rotor, enables the drone to operate in confined spaces and unpredictable terrains.
Tseng shared that initial feedback from NATO and American defense circles was skeptical, with some doubting that the V-BAT or similar UAVs could withstand the intense EW challenges in Ukraine.
The V-BAT is also part of the Pentagon’s Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) program, which aims to replace the Textron RQ-7 Shadow by 2026. Competing for this contract alongside Northrop Grumman, Shield AI’s V-BAT faces rivals from Textron Systems, L3Harris Technologies, and Arcturus UAV. Analysts suggest that Ukraine may also be testing other FTUAS candidates, which could further shape the Pentagon’s decision, expected in 2025.
This testing scenario benefits both Ukraine and Western defense firms: Ukraine gains access to cutting-edge technology, while U.S. and NATO allies collect valuable data on the effectiveness of their systems in one of the world’s most electronically contested battlefields.