The V-BAT UAS has supported surveillance and security operations across thousands of miles of land and maritime borders. It has also played a vital role in emergency response efforts, including firefighting missions.
“We’ve been flying V-BAT missions with Frontex across the EU since early June, and the results speak for themselves,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-founder and former Navy SEAL. “Over the past 60 days of operations, there has been a significant reduction in both irregular border crossings and criminal activity. Local authorities have directly attributed those outcomes to V-BAT.”
Shield AI’s aircraft has also proven effective in responding to natural disasters. In late July, during its second wildfire mission, V-BAT was deployed to eastern Bulgaria to assist in combating a rapidly spreading fire.
Operating from a distance of 30 kilometres, the system identified the blaze, tracked its movement, and provided real-time intelligence to emergency teams. It also supplied precise coordinates and mapping data, helping helicopter crews plan water drops more effectively.
Bulgarian authorities managed to coordinate manned and unmanned aircraft operations using altitude separation alone. This highlighted a strong level of confidence in the platform’s reliability and demonstrated advanced integration of unmanned systems into complex airspace.
“This project shows how innovation and collaboration can directly strengthen Europe’s border security,” said Nikolay Kerin, CEO of Global Sat. “By integrating advanced aerial surveillance with real operational needs, we helped deliver a flexible, intelligence-led solution that supports Member States and builds public trust in how Europe protects its borders.”
The V-BAT is a single-engine, ducted-fan, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for autonomous operation without on-ground personnel. It is already trusted by U.S. and international forces for a wide range of missions, including those in contested electronic warfare environments.
