The agreement was signed at the MSPO defence exhibition in Poland. Specific responsibilities and production sites will be set through definitive agreements.
X-BAT is an AI-piloted, low-observable strike aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capability. It is designed to operate from small sites, roads and ships without conventional runways.
Shield AI is positioning X-BAT for Poland and other European markets. The company says runway independence would allow combat aircraft to operate more flexibly along NATO’s eastern flank.
The agreement will define how PGZ Group companies participate in X-BAT production and delivery. It also covers training, maintenance, repair, overhaul, supply-chain participation and technology transfer.
The discussions extend to Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT uncrewed aircraft. Other companies within PGZ Group may join the proposed cooperation.
“X-BAT represents exactly the kind of advanced autonomous programme in which Polish industry should play a substantive role,” said Piotr Zawieja, Vice President of the Management Board of PGZ S.A. “The PGZ Group can bring together capabilities in aerospace manufacturing, systems integration, maintenance and through-life support.”
WZL-2 already maintains F-16 and C-130 aircraft operated by the Polish Armed Forces. The company is preparing to support the GE Aerospace F110 engine family that will power X-BAT.
“For many years, WZL-2 has been responsible for supporting and sustaining the F-16 and C-130 aircraft operated by the Polish Armed Forces,” said Jakub Gazda, President of the Management Board of WZL-2 S.A. “We are now preparing to expand our capabilities to include work on the F110 engine family that will power X-BAT.”
“Poland is investing in advanced technology at a scale few countries in Europe match, and it is building the institutions to field it quickly,” said Ryan Tseng, Shield AI’s president, co-founder and chief strategy officer. “We want that industrial base building and supporting X-BAT, for Poland and for export.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in June that Poland intended to pursue an autonomous combat aircraft programme with Shield AI. He described the project as an opportunity for Poland to achieve air dominance.
Poland’s Armament Agency selected V-BAT for the Polish Navy days after Tusk’s statement. Deliveries are planned for later in 2026.
X-BAT has a stated combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles. Its internal bays can carry weapons weighing up to 2,000 pounds and are sized to match those of the F-35.
The aircraft will provide 80 kilowatts of electrical power for electronic warfare, radar and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Shield AI plans to begin X-BAT flight testing this year.
