Shield AI Unveils XBAT the World’s First AI-Piloted VTOL Fighter Jet

Defense technology company Shield AI has publicly revealed the XBAT, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet piloted entirely by artificial intelligence.

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The announcement was made by Shield AI President and co-founder Brandon Sang, a former Navy SEAL, during a high-energy product event. Sang framed the unveiling as the culmination of a decade-long mission to protect service members and civilians by deploying cutting-edge AI and autonomy on the battlefield.

“The fundamental goal of XBAT is to present an asymmetric dilemma to our adversaries,” Sang stated, emphasizing the company’s core belief that “the greatest victory requires no war.”