GE Aerospace has partnered with defense technology firm Shield AI to develop propulsion systems for its new X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) combat drone.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the X-BAT will be powered by GE’s F110-GE-129 engine, which features the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN), a system that enables thrust vectoring for enhanced maneuverability and vertical flight.
GE Aerospace will also provide testing and propulsion support for the program.
Amy Gowder, president and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, said the partnership combines GE’s propulsion expertise with Shield AI’s autonomous aircraft design to “move faster from concept to capability.”
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in October, describing it as an AI-piloted VTOL fighter built to operate in “contested and austere” environments.
The aircraft runs on Shield AI’s Hivemind software, which allows drones to fly and fight autonomously on complex missions either independently or as a loyal wingman for crewed aircraft.
The X-BAT VTOL Drone
The X-BAT merges jet performance with autonomous decision-making. Developed to provide scalable combat mass in high-threat areas, it uses AI to coordinate maneuvers and mission execution without GPS or human guidance.
The drone can take off and land on short or damaged runways, and operate where traditional jets cannot.
The aircraft is part of Shield AI’s broader push to develop autonomous systems for air dominance, following its previous work on the V-BAT series, which are smaller VTOL drones already fielded by the US military.
The X-BAT expands that portfolio into jet-powered platforms, offering greater range, speed, and payload capacity.
