V-BAT (MDS Name: MQ-35A) is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle originally developed by Martin UAV, now Shield AI.
In late April 2021, the United States Navy selected the V-BAT for prototyping and development.[1]
In February 2022, Brazilian company VSK Tactical ordered an undisclosed number of V-BATs for security and monitoring roles.[2]
On 21 December 2022, a V-BAT, together with a Skyways V2.6B UAV, made the first unmanned cargo deliveries to a US Navy ship at sea with each UAV carrying a cargo of 22.5 kg 200 nm (370 km) onto a moving ship.[3]
In March 2023, the United States Army announced that the V-BAT had been selected to compete in its Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) competition, Increment 2 to replace the RQ-7B Shadow. Shield AI teamed with Northrop Grumman for the competition.[4]
On 9 October 2023, Shield AI announced that the V-BAT had a drone-swarming capability.[5]
In November 2024, Shield AI partnered with JSW Defense and Aerospace to manufacture the V-BAT drones in India. JSW shall be investing $90 million over the next 2 years of which $65 million will be invested within 12 months to establish a "global compliance programme", manufacturing facility, technology licensing and train parsonnel.[6] [7]