Draft:X-BAT

X-BAT is an AI–piloted, vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft developed by the American defense-technology company Shield AI. The aircraft is powered byShield AI's combat-proven autonomy system Hivemind, an artificial intelligence pilot that enables autonomous flight and tactical decision-making in GPS- and communications-denied environments.

Unveiled publicly in October 2025, X-BAT is designed as a revolutionary shift in aerial warfare—combining fighter-class performance, long-range VTOL capability, and AI-driven autonomy to deliver scalable, survivable combat power.

Development

Shield AI announced X-BAT on 22 October 2025 at an event in Washington, D.C., describing it as the world’s first AI-piloted, fighter-class aircraft with VTOL capability. Development reportedly began roughly 18 months prior.

According to Shield AI, X-BAT uses the General Electric F110 engine — the same powerplant used in the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets — providing high thrust and proven reliability in combat operations. The aircraft’s airframe was designed for low observability, modularity, and compact deployment, with folding wings and a short takeoff footprint allowing storage and launch from a range of platforms including ships, trailers, and austere forward bases.

X-BAT’s flight control and mission autonomy are driven by Hivemind, Shield AI’s combat-tested AI pilot previously deployed on smaller unmanned systems. Hivemind enables X-BAT to fly complex missions in GPS- and comms-denied environments and coordinated multi-vehicle teaming with no remote piloting required. This helps break the cost curve of traditional fighters, freeing human aviators for missions that demand critical human judgment while offering scalable, attritable combat capability.

Flight testing is planned for 2026, with operational demonstrations expected by 2028 and production by 2029.