Shield AI: V-BAT’s value is intelligence, not onboard bombs

Shield AI says its V-BAT, an AI-powered long-endurance ISR drone used in Ukraine, is primarily a multi-mission platform and not inherently an armed system. While Shield AI has explored arming the V-BAT with six‑pound missiles through a partnership with LIG Nex1, cofounder Brandon Tseng argues that top militaries don’t need onboard bombs and instead rely on targeting data and existing fires assets (e.g., HIMARS, artillery). The drone’s strength remains gathering intelligence and coordinating with other weapons, rather than serving as a one‑way strike platform.