The Greek military has given positive feedback on the V-BAT vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles from the American company Shield AI. The Greek armed forces may soon decide to purchase 10 more systems, after receiving two V-BATs free of charge last year from the Athanasios Laskaridis Foundation.
According to OnAlert, the drones were tested under island environmental conditions, taking into account key factors such as wind, humidity, exposure to electronic warfare, and the stability of the drone's image at operational distances.
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Ultimately, the use of V-BAT drones by the country's ground forces has shown that the system is cost-effective and capable of providing reliable surveillance and target designation under the relevant conditions.
It is currently unclear how much Greece will pay for 10 systems, including the ground control station, communications, support, and training. At the same time, this is another example of how weapons proven in combat in Ukraine are attracting increased interest.
Two years ago, it became known that V-BAT drones were secretly tested in Ukraine. Subsequently, India expressed interest in these drones and signed an agreement in 2024 to establish a facility for their local production. Earlier this year, India ordered the first batch of these drones.
Last summer, the Dutch Ministry of Defense purchased 12 V-BAT drones for the Royal Netherlands Navy and Marine Corps. At the beginning of the year, the Japan Self-Defense Forces selected V-BAT drones for deployment on their ships.
As for Greece, it is claimed that the V-BAT may also gain strike capabilities.
It was also recently announced that the U.S. and South Korea have signed an agreement to integrate the latest L-MDM guided missiles, developed by LIG Nex1, into V-BAT drones.
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