On April 17, the American defense company Shield AI issued a press release stating that its Kyiv-based task force has already conducted more than 130 combat missions using V-BAT drones in Ukraine. It is noted that this includes both field training for operators and direct operational missions, as part of strengthening readiness on the front line ahead of the spring campaign. The work was carried out in cooperation with the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The company does not disclose operational details but notes that the flights were conducted "under harsh electronic warfare conditions." According to the press release, Shield AI has hired Ukrainian veterans to support the mission, and are also conducting training for drone operators in Texas.
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James Lithgow, managing director of Shield AI and a former British Royal Marine, emphasizes that for arms manufacturers today, a key factor is the ability to test their developments directly on the battlefield. "For defense companies, legitimacy is no longer earned in labs, test ranges, or exercises. It is earned on the battlefield", he claimed.
It should be noted that back in November last year, it became known that the Defense Forces of Ukraine were secretly using experimental V-BAT drones as part of testing for the United States.
At that time, it was revealed how the drone operated deep in the russian rear, discovering a warehouse of Buk anti-aircraft missile system missiles, which was subsequently destroyed by a HIMARS strike.
In February of this year, Shield AI declassified data on their use by the Unmanned Systems Forces, including the number of systems delivered.
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