The V-BAT takes off and lands vertically and can fly for more than 12 hours, according to Shield. “V-BAT is exceptionally well suited to the Aegean, where forces need long-endurance ISR from islands, coastlines, ships and austere sites without dependence on runways,” said James Lythgoe, Shield’s regional director for Eastern and Southeast Europe.
The aircraft uses a heavy-fuel engine and a single enclosed ducted fan, which allows it to launch and land without assistance or dedicated launch equipment. Shield said the V-BAT had demonstrated resilience when GPS and communications were denied and could carry out surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting at lower cost and with fewer logistical demands than larger NATO systems.
NSPA placed the order through its UAS Support Partnership, which lets countries buy uncrewed aircraft and arrange long-term support while retaining ownership and control of their systems. The agency can pool requirements from participating countries to shorten contracting timelines and provide access to shared logistics, including spare parts, maintenance, training, upgrades and technical assistance.
Shield has opened a regional office in Athens and signed a memorandum of understanding with GEK TERNA in October to pursue opportunities for the X-BAT aircraft in Greece. The companies are looking at how Greek industry could take part, including through local production and sustainment.
Shield partnered with ALTUS LSA in July to arm the V-BAT with the Greek-built KMB Hunter interceptor. It also works with EFA GROUP on sovereign autonomous pilots powered by Hivemind.
