V-BAT for Taiwan: Coast Guard takes delivery of first drones from Shield AI

The Taiwanese Coast Guard has taken delivery of its first V-BAT drones from US manufacturer Shield AI. A total of twelve of the vertical take-off systems are to follow in the coming months and will strengthen maritime surveillance around Taiwan.

The drones are being procured through the “Shipborne UAV” programme, which Shield AI won in July 2026. The first systems were presented to senior government officials on 7 October in the port of Taipei. There, the manufacturer’s technicians demonstrated that the drones can be made ready for operation within a few minutes.

The Coast Guard intends to use the V-BAT primarily for maritime surveillance, coastal patrols and maritime security operations. They are to provide continuous monitoring of ship movements in the Taiwan Strait and adjacent waters.

V-BAT flies for more than twelve hours

The V-BAT is a Group 3 unmanned reconnaissance platform, recognisable by its characteristic ducted fan. It takes off and lands vertically, so neither a runway nor elaborate launch and recovery equipment is required.

According to Shield AI, its endurance is more than twelve hours. Thanks to an engine that runs on heavy fuel and its compact design, the drone can be operated from ship decks, rooftops or improvised bases.

The V-BAT was also developed for operations under demanding electronic warfare conditions. It can perform both reconnaissance and targeting tasks.

Delivery is taking place together with the Taiwanese aerospace company Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), with which Shield AI had already agreed a strategic cooperation in 2025. Beyond the delivery of the drones, the cooperation includes training operators and maintenance personnel as well as building up local support and maintenance capacities.

For Taiwan, the introduction of the V-BAT means greater capabilities in shipborne reconnaissance.