The Ukrainian army has received American V-BAT drones and is already actively using them
The Ukrainian Defence Forces have received new Shield AI MQ-35A V-BAT drones, which have already started operating at the frontline.
Here's What We Know
A photo of the Ukrainian military and this drone was released by its manufacturer, Shield AI. This is one of the first images confirming the transfer of the V-BAT UAV to Ukraine.
The drone has already conducted its first autonomous reconnaissance mission. The company noted that it showed resistance to electronic warfare and successfully completed the task in conditions of increased complexity.
V-BAT drones. Source: Shield AI
The V-BAT weighs 56.5 kg, of which up to 11 kg is the payload. It can stay in the air for up to 10 hours, and its reconnaissance capabilities are provided by a powerful optoelectronic station with a MWIR thermal imaging sensor and artificial intelligence for target recognition.
The drone features a vertical take-off and landing on a 4x4 metre platform. In 2023, Shield AI integrated the ability to control a swarm of drones into the V-BAT, and in 2024, the company signed an agreement with JSW Defence and Aerospace to produce these UAVs in India.
Source: Shield AI
