Shield AI and GEK TERNA have signed a strategic agreement to jointly develop component manufacturing, aircraft assembly and long-term support capabilities in Greece for the X-BAT unmanned combat aircraft.
According to a Shield AI announcement, Greece, a NATO member and longstanding US ally, protects hundreds of islands and an extensive coastline in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. In a conflict, runways are among the first targets, while island airfields are few and exposed.
The X-BAT is designed to eliminate this dependence. It is a long-range, highly survivable autonomous combat aircraft powered by artificial intelligence and capable of vertical take-off and landing. This would allow it to operate from ships, islands and remote locations without requiring a runway, Shield AI said.
The X-BAT
According to the company, the aircraft will be capable of carrying up to 900 kg of weapons in internal weapons bays comparable in size to those of the F-35. Its operational target is a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles. It will also be able to support advanced electronic warfare systems, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payloads.
The unmanned X-BAT will be powered by a GE Aerospace F110 engine and will use Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous software, which enables operations without GPS or communications. Flight testing is expected to begin later this year.
“Greece is already operating our aircraft over the Aegean, and Greek engineers are already working on our software, so X-BAT is the next step in that relationship,” said James Lythgoe, Shield AI’s regional director for eastern and southeastern Europe.
“An aircraft that does not need a runway is a natural fit for a country defending hundreds of inhabited islands. GEK TERNA builds and operates motorways, airports, energy systems and critical digital infrastructure on which Greece depends.
“We want to apply that same capability in designing, delivering and operating technologically complex projects, building the launch facilities, training centres, maintenance and repair facilities, support centres and industrial base that will keep X-BAT operational in Greece and across the eastern Mediterranean.”
Memorandum of understanding
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Shield AI will lead the X-BAT programme and provide the aircraft’s autonomous software and mission systems. GEK TERNA will act as Shield AI’s strategic partner in Greece, overseeing and strengthening the domestic supplier network, which is expected to include small and medium-sized enterprises, while also operating a local X-BAT programme office.
According to Shield AI, the Greek industry is expected to participate in component manufacturing and assembly, ground equipment, operational bases and launch facilities, training centres, maintenance and repair services, and research cooperation with Greek universities. The aim is for these activities to serve not only Greece but also the wider region.
The two companies are exploring the possibility of establishing Greece as a regional hub for X-BAT training, logistics and maintenance, providing services to Cyprus, the Balkans and southeastern Europe.
The precise roles, division of work and facilities will be determined through definitive agreements, which the two companies are already negotiating, according to Shield AI.
Shield AI expands its presence in Greece
Shield AI’s activities in Greece have expanded this year across aircraft, software and industrial cooperation, the company said.
In June, the Hellenic Army signed an agreement to expand its V-BAT fleet for surveillance missions in the Aegean, while Shield AI announced the establishment of a new office in Athens.
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