Operational testing of the V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS) has been completed by the US Coast Guard, clearing the way for future deployment across its fleet of cutters.
The evaluation was carried out by the Coast Guard’s Research and Development Center and found the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone met all key criteria with no significant technical faults.
California-based firm Shield AI, which manufactures the V-BAT, secured a contract in July 2024 to provide the drone and its long-term support. The system’s small footprint makes it well-suited for limited deck space on smaller vessels.
Once fielded, the V-BAT UAS will support persistent ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) operations, strengthening maritime domain awareness and mission effectiveness at sea.
