American defense firm Shield AI introduced its new X‑BAT combat drone at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition. The unmanned fighter features vertical take‑off and landing (VTOL) capability and is designed to operate without a runway. It is powered by a turbofan F110‑GE‑129, the same engine used in F‑15 and F‑16 fighters, and uses thrust‑vectoring for vertical flight. Shield AI says the X‑BAT can travel over 3,700 km, reach an altitude of 15.2 km, and operate from ships, small islands and temporary bases. Designed for air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground, electronic warfare, reconnaissance and surveillance, the drone is marketed as a cheaper, replaceable unmanned fighter. The first vertical‑flight test is planned for 2026, with initial operational capability targeted for 2028.