The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has acquired of eight V-BAT uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) from deep-tech firm Shield AI for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNN) and Marine Corps.
The procurement aims to strengthen maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
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This acquisition, which is part of a larger initiative to enhance the naval forces, was made public during RNN’s Maritime Uncrewed event at Den Helder.
“V-BAT’s small logistical footprint, ease of use and the possibility to deploy from a wide range of vessels make it well-suited for our operational needs. We’re integrating this system to strengthen our naval ISR capabilities and ensure continued interoperability with Nato forces,” a spokesperson for the RNN said.
Shield AI’s V-BAT is a single-engine ducted-fan vertical take-off and landing UAS, currently in operational use across various global regions.
Its design allows for deployment and recovery in limited spaces, making it adaptable for shipborne missions and challenging terrains.
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By GlobalDataThe UAS is claimed to have successful operation in environments where GPS access is compromised, and communication is challenged. It has been demonstrated in areas such as Ukraine, the Black Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region.
The RNN’s decision to acquire V-BAT is said to be influenced by its performance in Ukraine, where it undertook extended ISR and targeting missions autonomously without global navigation satellite system support, claims the company.
Furthermore, V-BAT underwent a month-long flight trial during Nato’s REPMUS 2024 exercise on board HNLMS Johan de Witt, demonstrating its shipboard capabilities and influencing the Dutch ministry’s decision-making process.
Shield AI president and co-founder Brandon Tseng said: “V-BAT was built for the types of missions the Dutch Navy and Marine Corps are preparing for—dynamic, distributed, and high-stakes.
“It’s operational today, proven in the most demanding combat environments, and delivers mission-critical capabilities unmatched by any other system. The Netherlands has a strong reputation for fielding cutting-edge capabilities quickly and effectively, and it’s great to see them join a growing list of US allies and partners choosing V-BAT for its flexibility, performance, and mission readiness.”
In July 2024, the US Coast Guard purchased the services of the V-BAT uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in a deal worth $198m.
