Sneak Peek! Shield AI’s AI combat drone

22 October 2025

Although Top Gun-style jet aces are likely not cheering over the introduction of Shield AI 's AI-guided X-Bat fighter, the future is here.

And it ain't inviting human pilots into the cockpit.

The unmanned X-Bat won't need a runway (as it can takeoff and land vertically), has a ceiling of 50,000 feet, offers a 2,000-mile range, can carry missiles, and will be piloted by Shield AI's Hivemind software.

“The software is a cornerstone and foundation for everything we do,” said Shield AI CEO Gary Steele. “It will ultimately be the long-term growth driver of this business, because it enables the development of this next generation aircraft. We fundamentally believe we can save service members’ lives by reducing the risk that you have of putting people in danger. What I’m particularly excited about is the mission we’ve been on, and the opportunity that it unlocks from a business perspective.”

And guess what? The X-Bat is also a deal.

A single Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter can cost more than $100 million to produce. The X-Bat is budgeted at a cost of $27 million — a price Shield AI claims it is on track to offer.