The Royal Netherlands Navy and Marine Corps are set to significantly enhance their maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations with the acquisition of eight V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems from Shield AI. This strategic procurement, publicly announced at the “Maritime Uncrewed” event hosted by the Royal Netherlands Navy in Den Helder, marks a notable step in the Netherlands’ ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities.
According to statements from the event, the decision to obtain the V-BAT systems underscores a deliberate move to integrate combat-proven, autonomous platforms capable of operating effectively even in challenging environments where GPS signals are unavailable or communications are disrupted. A representative for the Royal Netherlands Navy commented that the V-BAT’s compact logistical footprint, user-friendliness, and adaptability for deployment from a diverse array of vessels align well with their operational requirements. The representative further emphasized that incorporating this system will bolster their naval ISR capabilities and ensure continued interoperability with NATO forces.
Industry reports indicate that the V-BAT is uniquely positioned as the sole single-engine, ducted-fan vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system currently in active deployment across various global regions. Its design, enabling launches and recoveries in confined spaces, makes it particularly suitable for ship-based and austere operational settings, contributing to operational flexibility and resilience in complex missions.
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence‘s choice was reportedly influenced by the V-BAT’s demonstrated effectiveness in the Ukrainian conflict, where it has executed extended-range ISR and targeting missions with independence from global navigation satellite systems. Furthermore, a spokesperson for Shield AI mentioned that the V-BAT underwent a successful month-long flight assessment during NATO’s REPMUS 2024 exercise. During this trial, the system performed maritime ISR operations aboard the HNLMS Johan de Witt, which helped validate its performance in a shipboard context and provided crucial information for the Dutch Ministry’s procurement decision.
Brandon Tseng, President and Co-founder of Shield AI, conveyed that the V-BAT was specifically engineered for the demanding, distributed, and high-stakes missions anticipated by the Dutch Navy and Marine Corps. He further stated that the system is currently operational, has proven its mettle in the most rigorous combat scenarios, and provides critical capabilities that are unrivaled by other systems. Tseng acknowledged the Netherlands’ reputation for rapidly and effectively deploying cutting-edge capabilities, expressing satisfaction in seeing them join a growing roster of U.S. allies and partners who have opted for the V-BAT due to its versatility, performance, and readiness for missions. The system’s ability to maintain operations in GPS-denied and communications-contested areas, as demonstrated in regions like Ukraine, the Black Sea, and the Indo-Pacific, reinforces its robustness against advanced electronic warfare threats that have often sidelined other drone systems.
