Navy Adds $150 Million to Shield AI's X-BAT, With Export Protections Built In
Shield AI is matching a $150 million Navy award that pays to make its AI-piloted, runway-free fighter exportable, lifting X-BAT commitments to $400 million before its first flight test.
Shield AI is matching a $150 million Navy award that pays to make its AI-piloted, runway-free fighter exportable, lifting X-BAT commitments to $400 million before its first flight test.
The Navy has added $150 million to its X-BAT development agreement, Shield AI announced Oct. 8, and the company will put in $150 million of its own. The money modifies an existing Other Transaction agreement and comes from the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment through the Defense Exportability Features program.
That program helps companies design weapons that can be sold abroad without exposing sensitive U.S. technology. Participants generally cover at least half the cost, according to AeroTime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Navy award Shield AI?
A $150 million modification to Shield AI's existing Other Transaction agreement for X-BAT, funded through the Pentagon's Defense Exportability Features program, the company announced Oct. 8. Shield AI is matching it with $150 million of its own capital.
How much has been committed to X-BAT in total?
$400 million in announced public and private commitments: the new $150 million plus Shield AI's $150 million match, and an August $50 million Navy and DIU action under RIMES that Shield AI also matched.
Why export features?
The Defense Exportability Features program helps companies design weapons that can be sold abroad without exposing sensitive U.S. technology. Shield AI has not named an export customer.
When will X-BAT fly?
Flight testing is due to start at the end of 2026 and go straight to vertical takeoff and landing tests, Armor Harris of Shield AI told Defense One. He targets an early operational capability around 2029.
What is RIMES?
The Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike effort, a DIU and Navy program seeking a drone that can fly at least 1,400 nautical miles one way with 1,000-pound munitions from ships without large flight decks, per Breaking Defense.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.