Shield AI delivers the first V-BAT drones to Taiwan's Coast Guard, with twelve planned

Shield AI

Shield AI has begun delivering V-BAT drones to Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration, shown at the Port of Taipei on October 7. The ship-based drones are for persistent maritime surveillance and coastal patrol. The work is done with local partner AIDC, which will help build a support system in Taiwan.

• The Coast Guard selected the V-BAT in a competitive process in July 2026 for its shipborne UAV program.
• Twelve aircraft are to be delivered over the coming months; the release does not say how many have arrived.
• The release cites more than 12 hours of endurance for the Group 3 ducted-fan drone with a heavy-fuel engine.
• Shield AI will train Coast Guard operators and maintenance crews.