![Poland Acquires Shield AI’s V-Bat UAVs for Naval Maritime Operations]](https://i1.wp.com/breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/V-bat-scaled-e1697122824715.jpg?ssl=1 "Poland Acquires Shield AI’s V-Bat UAVs for Naval Maritime Operations]")
Poland Acquires Shield AI’s V-Bat UAVs for Naval Maritime Operations]
WARSAW — Poland has signed a $16 million deal with Shield AI to procure the MQ-35 V-Bat unmanned aerial system for its navy, with delivery of several platforms expected by year-end, according to Poland’s Armaments Agency.
Following installation, the V-Bat systems will be deployed aboard unspecified Polish navy vessels to support maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, Polish authorities said. These drones will also enhance protection of critical infrastructure and communication routes.
The vertical-takeoff-and-landing V-Bat features a 12.5-foot wingspan and 9.6-foot height, ideal for shipboard operations where runway space is limited. Designed for challenging environments with radio interference, degraded GPS, and limited communications, the system employs an AI-enabled optical ViDAR sensor to improve threat visibility.
Capable of operating in winds up to 25 knots and ship speeds of 10 knots, the V-Bat can launch from ship decks, rooftops, or other austere locations without infrastructure. A two-person team can deploy them, and the systems fit in pickup truck beds or utility helicopters like the UH-60 Blackhawk when packed.
V-Bat systems have seen operational use in the Black Sea, Caribbean, and Middle East. In Ukraine, they have resisted electronic warfare attacks that disabled other drones.
“V-BAT has proven its capabilities in Ukraine and beyond, particularly in environments where communications and GPS links are disrupted or denied,” said Ryan Tseng, Shield AI’s president. “Operations in the Baltic Sea, where security threats against critical energy and communications infrastructure are becoming more frequent, demand reliable sensor platforms and systems in all weather conditions and sea states. V-BAT delivers exactly that, and will serve as a force multiplier for Poland, Baltic Sea nations, and NATO.”
The system was previously selected by the U.S. Coast Guard and has operated on various U.S. Navy ship classes and all seven Marine Expeditionary Units.
Additional international acquisitions include: Brazil (2022), Japan (2025), the Netherlands (12 units in July 2025), and Romania (four drones donated via U.S. Maritime Domain Awareness initiative, with follow-on procurement planned).