#Netherlands #Shield AI #V-BAT #Netherlands Navy #Den Helder

Shield AI's V-BAT Selected by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence

In a significant advancement for military operations, Shield AI, a prominent deep-tech enterprise specializing in autonomous systems, has been selected by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. The decision involves procuring eight V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to boost maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for both the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Marine Corps.

What is the V-BAT?

The V-BAT is a state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft known for its unique design, being the only single-engine ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) system operational across various global regions. This UAS has built a strong reputation for reliability, particularly in challenging environments devoid of GPS and where communication may be unreliable.

The selection of V-BAT was publicly announced during the Maritime Uncrewed event held by the Royal Netherlands Navy in Den Helder. At the event, military officials underscored that the procurement of V-BAT is aligned with a broader initiative aimed at modernizing the Fleet. This strategic move reflects a focused effort to deploy battle-tested, autonomy-enabled systems capable of functioning effectively in hostile regions without reliance on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

One spokesperson from the Royal Netherlands Navy emphasized the appeal of the V-BAT, stating, "Its small logistical footprint, user-friendly operation, and capacity for launch from diverse vessels make it ideally suited for our operational needs. We are incorporating this system to enhance our naval ISR abilities and ensure our interoperability with NATO partners."

Proven Success in Operational Settings

The decision to integrate V-BAT into the Netherlands Navy was significantly influenced by its impressive performance in Ukraine, where it executed long-range ISR and targeting missions independently of GNSS. Additionally, the V-BAT successfully underwent a month-long flight trial during NATO's REPMUS 2024 exercise, where it performed ISR operations aboard the HNLMS Johan de Witt. This experience validated the platform’s capabilities and informed the Ministry of Defence's procurement decision.

"V-BAT was designed for the types of missions the Dutch Navy and Marine Corps are preparing for—dynamic, distributed, and high-risk operations," remarked Brandon Tseng, President and Co-founder of Shield AI. He added, "The Netherlands is renowned for adopting cutting-edge capabilities rapidly and effectively, solidifying their integration of V-BAT into their naval strategy."

Design and Operational Strengths

What makes the V-BAT particularly noteworthy is its compact design, which allows it to launch and recover in confined spaces, making it perfect for shipborne and austere environments. This ensures both flexibility and resilience during complex missions. Furthermore, the V-BAT has demonstrated its reliability and operational success in various regions, including Ukraine, the Black Sea, and the Indo-Pacific. These successes underscore its ability to endure the advanced electronic warfare threats that have rendered many traditional drones ineffective.

About Shield AI

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company committed to the protection of service members and civilians through intelligent systems. In addition to the V-BAT, Shield AI's product portfolio includes the Hivemind Enterprise and Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices located in key cities such as San Diego, Dallas, and international locations including Abu Dhabi, Kyiv, and Melbourne, Shield AI's technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations across the globe. For further information, visit www.shield.ai.

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