SAN DIEGO (July 31, 2025) – Shield AI, the deep-tech company developing cutting-edge autonomy software and next-generation defense aircraft, announced that its new V-BAT 5.3 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has successfully completed Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) with the U.S. Coast Guard.  

The V-BAT passed the operational test by scoring 100% on all Key Performance Parameters and Key System Attributes aboard Coast Guard Cutter Midgett over the course of four days of flight tests. This milestone clears the way for full deployment under a $198 million indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity firm fixed-price contract awarded in June 2024 to deliver Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) services using the V-BAT platform. 

“V-BAT’s role in the Coast Guard’s transformation under Force Design 2028 underscores how rapidly unmanned systems are reshaping maritime operations,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-founder, and former Navy SEAL. “Passing this OT&E on time and on target is an important milestone, but it’s just the beginning. Our focus now turns to expanding the V-BAT capability within the Coast Guard to deliver outcomes every day at unprecedented scale.” 

V-BAT is Shield AI’s operationally deployed single-engine, ducted-fan vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS, capable of launching and recovering without personnel. Trusted by U.S. and international forces, it supports a broad range of missions across Group 1 to Group 5 categories and beyond.

About Shield AI     

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Boston, Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram.      

Media contact: Lily Hinz; media@shield.ai