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

Shield AI Concludes Successful V-BAT Operations in Europe

In a significant achievement for advanced aerial surveillance and border security, Shield AI has completed a series of successful operations using its V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) across Europe. Since early June, this cutting-edge technology has been supporting the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, known as Frontex, and collaborating with Global Sat Tech to address various border management challenges.

The V-BAT aircraft has played an instrumental role in monitoring thousands of miles of both land and maritime borders. Through its deployment, there has been reported success in reducing irregular border crossings and criminal activities, a testament to the capabilities of this sophisticated unmanned system.

Enhanced Emergency Response Efforts

One of the notable missions occurred in late July, during a raging wildfire in eastern Bulgaria. The V-BAT was rapidly deployed, covering an impressive distance of 30 kilometers to reach the scene where it facilitated local authorities in critical operational efforts. The aircraft enabled real-time tracking of fire movement, identified hot spots, and mapped firefighting personnel locations. This level of operational insight dramatically improved the effectiveness of firefighting efforts.

Using the data and insights provided by V-BAT, helicopter crews could receive precise fire coordinates and grid data, allowing for efficient planning and execution of water drops without wasting valuable time searching for targets. This exemplifies how the V-BAT technology can enhance response times and operational effectiveness in crisis situations.

Trust and Reliability in Aerial Operations

A significant highlight from these operations was the successful coordination between V-BAT and manned aircraft, managed through altitude separation. Bulgarian authorities demonstrated a high level of trust in the reliability of the V-BAT platform, which is crucial when integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into complex and dynamic environments. The cooperation and integration exemplify best practices in modern air traffic management and operational collaboration.

Nikolay Kerin, CEO of Global Sat Tech, emphasized the collaboration's impact: “This project shows how innovation and cooperation can significantly enhance Europe's border security. By marrying advanced aerial surveillance with concrete operational needs, we have created a flexible, intelligence-led solution that aids Member States and fosters public trust in our border protection efforts.”

A Revolutionary Technology for Multiple Applications

The V-BAT is a remarkable unmanned aircraft designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), which can operate without personnel present for launching and recovering missions. A trusted asset for U.S. and allied forces, it is designed to assist in a variety of missions spanning Group 1 to Group 5 categories, even in contested electronic warfare environments.

Brandon Tseng, President and co-founder of Shield AI, highlighted the diverse capabilities of the V-BAT, stating, “From border interdictions to supporting firefighting teams with real-time intelligence, V-BAT continues to prove its operational uses are limited only by our customers' imaginations.”

Looking Forward

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is committed to advancing defense technologies that prioritize the safety of service members and civilians alike. With a range of innovative products including V-BAT, Hivemind Enterprise, and Hivemind Vision, Shield AI continues to support missions globally from its numerous locations, including San Diego, Dallas, Washington D.C., and beyond.

As Shield AI concludes this successful phase of operations in Europe, it sets the stage for future innovations that promise to further enhance safety and security measures across the continent and worldwide. As technology evolves, so too does the capability to respond effectively to emerging challenges in border management and emergency situations.