Shield AI’s X-BAT Targets October Unveiling as Funding Reaches $200 Million

Shield AI expects to unveil a full-scale prototype of its X-BAT unmanned aircraft by the end of October 2026, ahead of flight tests planned for later this year. The aircraft is designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), but has not yet demonstrated that capability.

The U.S. Navy has committed $150 million toward development through an agreement that ties payments to technical milestones. Combined with an earlier $50 million government investment, that brings external funding to $200 million. Shield AI must match the Navy’s latest contribution, following equivalent company funding for the earlier investment.

The company says it has been building two full-scale prototypes and expects the first to be completed within weeks. “And then we'll be getting into flight testing at the end of this year,” said Armor Harris, Shield AI’s senior vice president of aircraft. The company has spent the past year on wind tunnel, engine and thermal testing.

X-BAT has a projected range of 2,000 nautical miles and operating ceiling of 50,000 feet. Shield AI also cites a potential combat radius of around 1,340 nautical miles, approximately twice that of the F-35. Its planned configuration includes internal weapons bays and two under-wing hardpoints.

A fully equipped flight-test aircraft is expected in 2028, with early operational capability planned for 2029. Those timelines depend on successful testing and the Navy’s assessment of development milestones. The program is part of the Navy’s Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike initiative.