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US-Based Shield AI Partners With Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Opens Kyiv Office

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Ivan Khomenko
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US-Based Shield AI Partners With Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Opens Kyiv Office
The photo shows representatives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Shield AI inspecting the V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicle. (Source: Shield AI)

Shield AI, a US-based defense technology company specializing in drone manufacturing, has opened an office in Kyiv to provide comprehensive support for its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, the MQ-35A V-BAT.

In its press release, on January 16, Shield AI emphasized the significance of establishing a local presence in Ukraine, with a team of engineers, mission operators, and technical specialists working directly with the Ukrainian Armed Forces to ensure optimal deployment of the V-BAT systems.

The company has also launched training programs for specialists from Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces to operate the V-BAT drones effectively in frontline conditions.

The MQ-35A V-BAT drones were first reported to be operational with Ukraine’s defense forces on January 12. According to Shield AI, these drones have already completed their first autonomous reconnaissance mission on the frontlines, demonstrating their resilience against electronic warfare systems and ability to operate autonomously in challenging environments.

Weighing 56.5 kilograms and capable of carrying up to 11 kilograms of payload, the V-BAT can remain airborne for up to 10 hours. Its reconnaissance capabilities are powered by an advanced electro-optical system, including a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal sensor and artificial intelligence for target detection and identification.

One of the drone’s key features is its VTOL capability, allowing it to take off and land on a 4×4-meter platform, making it highly adaptable for use in various combat scenarios. The V-BAT has also been equipped with swarm management technology since 2023, enhancing its operational versatility.

The photo depicts the V-BAT drone during what appears to be field testing in Ukraine. (Source: Shield AI)
The photo depicts the V-BAT drone during what appears to be field testing in Ukraine. (Source: Shield AI)

“V-BAT represents the most cost-effective solution for strategic guidance in modern warfare,” said Brandon Tseng, President and Co-Founder of Shield AI and a former US Navy SEAL. “Drones are not the future of warfare; they are the present. Traditional systems are increasingly vulnerable on today’s battlefield.”

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company focused on developing artificial intelligence solutions to protect service members and civilians.

Its flagship AI pilot system, Hivemind, is integrated into various platforms, including F-16 fighter jets and MQ-35A V-BAT drones. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, and now Kyiv, the company continues to expand its support for military operations globally.

Earlier, experimental V-BAT drones from Shield AI were secretly tested by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in real combat conditions. These trials aimed to evaluate the drones' resilience against Russian electronic warfare systems.

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