US-based defense contractor Shield AI has announced an agreement with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to supply an undisclosed number of its cutting-edge V-BAT drones. These AI-driven, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have earned a reputation for their transformative capabilities, having demonstrated their effectiveness in real-world combat zones, including the ongoing Ukraine war.
The deal, a direct commercial sale, was officially revealed by Shield AI on January 22. While financial details and the exact number of drones remain undisclosed, the company confirmed that the first deliveries of the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) V-BAT drones are expected “later this year” as part of a multi-year acquisition plan by the JMSDF.
Japan’s Maritime ISR Capabilities
Shield AI has framed this deal as a critical step in enhancing Japan’s sea-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The V-BAT drones will provide the JMSDF with its first-ever maritime ISR platform, representing a leap forward in Japan’s ability to monitor and respond to regional threats.
Japan’s acquisition of the V-BAT comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with China’s increasing military assertiveness. Shield AI has positioned its V-BAT drones as an ideal solution for maritime operations in the region, where ISR capabilities are essential to maintaining situational awareness and operational readiness.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The V-BAT, also known as the MQ-35, is unique in its design and functionality. It features a single-engine, ducted-fan configuration, enabling vertical takeoff and landing in confined spaces, including ship decks as small as 12’ x 12’. This capability makes it particularly well-suited for maritime environments, where flexibility and resilience are paramount.
With its advanced AI pilot system, known as Hivemind, the V-BAT operates autonomously while allowing human operators to remain in the loop for supervision and mission oversight. The Hivemind AI continuously learns and improves, ensuring each aircraft in the fleet benefits from cutting-edge capabilities.
Shield AI claims the AI pilot has achieved “superhuman performance levels” in real-world scenarios, including contested electromagnetic environments. This capability has been instrumental in the drone’s success in Ukraine, where it has operated effectively despite advanced electronic warfare measures.
Proven Track Record
The V-BAT has garnered attention for its successful deployment in diverse environments. The US Coast Guard has selected the drone for maritime surveillance, and its operations in Ukraine have demonstrated its resilience and effectiveness in high-stakes, contested environments.
In Ukraine, Shield AI has further cemented its commitment by establishing a local presence with an office in Kyiv. The company has deployed a team of engineers, mission operators, and technical experts to support operations and gather insights for future improvements.
The drone’s ability to withstand GPS jamming and advanced electronic warfare threats has been a critical factor in its operational success. Using image correlation algorithms and optical sensors, the V-BAT can accurately determine its position and identify targets even in GPS-denied environments.
This capability allows the V-BAT to relay target coordinates to artillery systems like HIMARS or Howitzers, enabling precise, long-range strikes. In the event of communication denial, the drone can exit the jamming zone to transmit data, ensuring mission continuity.
A Strategic Investment for Japan
Japan’s decision to invest in the V-BAT highlights its commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The JMSDF’s need for enhanced ISR platforms is underscored by the growing aggressiveness of the Chinese military, which has increased naval and aerial activities in the East China Sea and around the disputed Senkaku Islands.
The V-BAT’s ability to operate autonomously in teams, known as Resilient Teams, is expected to be a game-changer for Japan’s defense strategy. Shield AI envisions a system where multiple V-BATs work together in a coordinated swarm to locate, track, and neutralize targets.
Brandon Tseng, co-founder and president of Shield AI, has emphasized the importance of the V-BAT’s capabilities in maritime domain awareness and the suppression of enemy air defenses. By autonomously identifying radar systems and surface-to-air missile sites, the drones can integrate into long-range kill chains without relying on GPS or communications.
This capability aligns with the US-Japan military partnership’s broader goals of maximizing ISR coverage over vast areas—up to 30,000 square miles—while countering adversary activities in the Indo-Pacific.
Shield AI’s agreement with the JMSDF also involves collaboration with a local Japanese entity, signaling the company’s commitment to building a global network of partnerships. While the drones will continue to be manufactured at Shield AI’s facilities in Dallas, Texas, this partnership reflects the growing demand for international defense collaboration.
Shield AI is no stranger to international partnerships. In November 2024, the company announced a joint venture with India’s JSW Group to manufacture the V-BAT locally in India. This move is part of Shield AI’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and meet the increasing demand for its cutting-edge UAS.
Cost-Effective ISR Solution
One of the V-BAT’s key advantages is its cost-effectiveness. Shield AI asserts that the drone provides ISR capabilities comparable to those of larger Group 5 drones and manned aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon but at a significantly lower cost.
This affordability, combined with its advanced capabilities, positions the V-BAT as an attractive option for militaries seeking to enhance their ISR capabilities without overextending their budgets.
Shield AI’s focus on AI-driven autonomy and swarm technology reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare. The V-BAT’s ability to operate in teams and adapt to mission-specific needs ensures operational flexibility and resilience in complex environments.
The company’s commitment to continuous innovation is evident in its integration of the Hivemind AI pilot into advanced systems, including fighter aircraft under development for the US Air Force. This highlights the potential for the V-BAT and its AI technology to play a foundational role in future military operations.
