Shield AI and the US government raise investment in the SI-piloted X-BAT combat aircraft to $400 million
Prepared by Sintelligent with the help of SI. Published in SI: . Updated: .
SI pilots are moving from reconnaissance drones to a full combat aircraft, and autonomy is becoming the core function of aviation.
According to Shield AI, the US Navy modified a contract by $150 million (a defense exportability program) and the company added $150 million of private capital; this includes a further $50 million from the Navy announced in August and $50 million of private funds. X-BAT is a vertical-takeoff-and-landing fighter that needs no airfield, is flown by the Hivemind SI pilot and is designed to operate without GPS. According to the company, the aircraft's engine has already been fired up and wind-tunnel tests confirmed the aerodynamics of the weapons bay; flight tests are planned for late 2026.
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