Shield AI, a prominent American drone manufacturer, has opened an office in Kyiv to provide comprehensive support for Ukraine’s fleet of MQ-35A V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing drones. 

The company announced the development in a press release, stating its intention to fully support Ukrainian forces by establishing a local presence. 

Shield AI’s Kyiv office will house a team of engineers, mission operators, and technical specialists dedicated to ensuring the effective deployment and maintenance of the V-BAT system.

The company also revealed the initiation of training programs for Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. Shield AI said that its efforts extend beyond supplying drones, aiming instead to empower Ukrainian forces with the technical expertise needed to maximize the V-BAT system’s potential in defense operations.

“This is not just about providing hardware. We are committed to empowering Ukrainian forces with the technical support and expertise needed to fully integrate and maximize the capabilities of the V-BAT system in their defense operations,” the company stated.

A senior commander from Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Training Group highlighted the importance of Shield AI’s local presence. 

The senior commander said, “The presence of Shield AI’s team in Ukraine is a critical step in enhancing our operational capabilities. Their efforts are ensuring that our forces are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the frontline environment.”

The US Silicon Valley-based company claims that its V-BAT drones have proven to be a game-changer in Ukraine’s defense strategy. The drones have demonstrated effectiveness in targeting Russian surface-to-air missile systems, even in GPS- and communication-jammed environments. 

The V-BAT’s unique vertical takeoff and landing capability eliminates the need for vulnerable runways, thereby enhancing its operational utility in conflict zones.

Shield AI’s expanded operations in Ukraine signal a growing collaboration between the United States and Kyiv in modernizing the latter’s defense infrastructure. 

The announcement from Shield AI coincided with a report from the New York Times revealing that the United States has provided approximately US$1.5 billion in support of Ukraine’s drone development program. 

This funding reportedly includes key components, intelligence sharing, and technical support, marking a significant investment in Kyiv’s defense capabilities. The information, previously classified, was disclosed by the outgoing Biden Administration to counter claims that it had not done enough to back Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Shield AI V-BAT Drones For Ukraine 

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have recently acquired Shield AI MQ-35A V-BAT drones, which have already carried out their first autonomous reconnaissance mission on the Ukrainian front.

The V-BAT uses a ducted fan engine that helps it to take off from a space as small as 4 meters by 4 meters (13 feet by 13 feet) or from the deck of a ship. 

It weighs 56.5 kilograms (124 pounds), including an 11-kilogram (24.2-pound) payload, and has a flight endurance of approximately 10 hours. 

The drone, equipped with an advanced sensor suite, provides real-time monitoring and target acquisition capabilities, along with a laser designator for marking targets for ground or air forces.

Known in the US as the MQ-35, the V-BAT can carry out missions autonomously, from start to finish, without human intervention. A single operator can control at least five drones simultaneously, with flight paths generated autonomously in real-time.

The drone is powered by a Suter TOA 288 two-cylinder engine driving a ducted fan, which increases thrust by over 80% compared to equivalent engine power, enabling vertical takeoff and landing with a single power unit.

Vijainder K. Thakur, a retired Indian Air Force pilot, noted in his analysis for EurAsian Times, “The drone is small enough to fit in an SUV. More importantly, its vertical takeoff and landing capability gives the Ukrainians scoot and shoot capability. Also, the ability to launch from ships and austere terrain.”

Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-Founder, and a former Navy SEAL, described the V-BAT as the most cost-effective drone for strategic targeting. 

Tseng revealed that the UAV has been used to engage Russian surface-to-air missile systems even in environments where GPS and communications were jammed. Its ability to operate without a runway makes it particularly advantageous, as runways are vulnerable and likely to be destroyed early in a conflict. 

Tseng noted that drones are no longer the future of warfare but the present, criticizing investments in expensive legacy systems that are easily neutralized by adversaries using far less costly weapons.

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