#USA #Shield AI #V-BAT #Frontex #Sofia, Bulgaria

Shield AI Completes V-BAT Missions in Europe

In a significant advancement for border security and emergency response operations in Europe, Shield AI has successfully concluded its V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) missions in partnership with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and Global Sat Tech. Since early June 2025, V-BAT has played a pivotal role in border management, effectively aiding in surveillance and security across extensive land and maritime perimeters.

The V-BAT UAS was operational throughout Europe, notably participating in two primary missions that demonstrated its capabilities and real-time responsiveness during critical situations. Recently, in late July, it was deployed to confront a rapidly escalating wildfire in eastern Bulgaria. From an impressive distance of 30 kilometers, V-BAT detected the advancing flames and quickly arrived at the scene to assist local firefighting teams. This capability exemplifies the aircraft's potential to deliver timely information crucial for emergency response.

Brandon Tseng, the President and Co-founder of Shield AI, expressed the impact of V-BAT over the past two months of operations. He stated, "We’ve been flying V-BAT missions with Frontex across the EU since early June, and the results speak for themselves. There has been a notable reduction in both irregular border crossings and criminal activities, directly attributed to V-BAT’s operational efficiency. From interdicting border violations to providing intelligence for firefighting, V-BAT’s utility continues to expand beyond initial expectations."

During its recent wildfire response mission, the UAS played several critical roles. It maintained real-time tracking of the fire's movements and identified hotspots, thereby providing crucial information to local authorities. V-BAT's capabilities facilitated precise coordination with helicopter crews by delivering exact fire coordinates and necessary grid data. This functionality helped ground teams execute their water drop missions more quickly and effectively, eliminating delays often associated with searching for targets.

Notably, Bulgarian authorities effectively managed airspace using altitude separation strategies, reflecting their trust and confidence in V-BAT’s operational reliability. This cooperation illustrates a mature approach to using unmanned technology in complex air operations.

Nikolay Kerin, CEO of Global Sat Tech, highlighted the collaborative nature of this project, stating, "This initiative underscores how innovation and teamwork can directly enhance Europe’s border security. By merging advanced aerial technologies with real operational needs, we have fostered a flexible and intelligence-driven solution that supports Member States while nurturing public trust in how Europe safeguards its frontiers."

The V-BAT model is a sophisticated vertical take-off and landing UAS, able to launch and recover autonomously, making it an asset for numerous military and civilian applications. Its proven reliability has earned it the backing of U.S. and allied forces, showcasing its versatility across multiple mission profiles, including those in environments characterized by electronic warfare conditions.

Founded in 2015, Shield AI aims to protect both service members and civilians through intelligent systems. Its portfolio includes the V-BAT aircraft and complementary software platforms like Hivemind Enterprise. With locations spanning across various countries, including offices in San Diego, Dallas, and Kyiv, Shield AI continues to support critical operations across the globe. For more insights into their cutting-edge technology, visit www.shield.ai.

As aerial surveillance becomes increasingly essential in modern border and emergency operations, the success of V-BAT's missions in Europe signals a promising future for the integration of unmanned technologies in public safety initiatives.