The US Navy’s emphasis on unmanned systems is gaining traction, with the Surface Navy Association conference and WEST event sparking increased discussion about their role in future naval operations. The trend is evident in various regions, including the Black Sea, Red Sea, and the Middle East.
Shield AI’s V-BAT will be the first shipboard drone used by the Japanese navy to gather intelligence and monitor distant targets. This marks a significant development in unmanned maritime operations.
The company is expanding its presence globally, opening an office in Kyiv, Ukraine, and announcing plans for V-BAT production in India with a $90 million investment from JSW Group. This move underscores the US Navy’s growing interest in international partnerships to develop and deploy unmanned systems.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/18/saronic-drone-shipyard-funding-mavrookas