Poland buys U.S. V-BAT drones for navy and gains role in Shield AI fighter program

The Polish Ministry of National Defence awarded a contract to Shield AI for the purchase of V-BAT drones for the Polish Navy, Defense News reported. The deal makes Poland the first country on NATO’s eastern flank to acquire the drone. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Shield AI has offered Poland a role in its X-BAT autonomous vertical-takeoff fighter jet program, including some manufacturing activities.

The V-BAT will be deployed aboard a Polish Navy vessel to provide maritime domain awareness and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. “V-BAT has proven its capabilities in Ukraine and beyond, particularly in environments where communications and GPS links are disrupted or denied,” Ryan Tseng, Shield AI’s president, co-founder and chief strategy officer, stated.

” The Armament Agency said delivery of the system, which comprises several platforms, is planned for later in 2026.

The V-BAT system includes ground control stations, antennas, spares, maintenance equipment, and other operating equipment needed to maintain operational readiness. Current V-BAT operators include Greece, the Netherlands, the U.S. Navy, and the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force.

Shield AI is actively pursuing partnerships with Polish industry to support future autonomy, aviation, and defense programs. Poland launched the Drone Force, its latest military component, in 2025. Last month, Poland joined the Pentagon’s counter-drone initiative to gain access to a marketplace connecting partner countries with emerging technology suppliers.