July 31, 2025 —
Shield AI’s V-BAT unmanned aircraft system undergoes operational testing aboard Coast Guard Cutter Midgett. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The Coast Guard in late July completed comprehensive operational testing of Shield AI's V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) aboard Coast Guard Cutters Midgett and Stone in preparation for future installation of the V-BAT UAS capability across the national security cutter fleet and potentially other Coast Guard vessel classes. The UAS capability addresses a critical operational need for persistent airborne surveillance capabilities that support a wide range of Coast Guard missions.
The Coast Guard is in the midst of a transition to the advanced V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing system. The contractor-owned, contractor-operated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services contract was awarded in July 2024, providing a cost-effective solution with full lifecycle service including equipment, personnel and support from installation and operation through deinstallation. The V-BAT is able to perform vertical takeoffs and landings, which requires a smaller footprint than other UAS previously employed by the Coast Guard, and the service plans to explore V-BAT use on other cutter classes with smaller flight decks and cutters without flight decks.
The Coast Guard Research and Development Center served as the independent test agent (ITA), with overall responsibility for managing the operational test process for the maritime UAS capability on host cutters. The ITA coordinates operational test events to evaluate the system's operational performance, directs all data collection efforts and determines if mission requirements have been met.
The operational test event utilized the cutters in a fully mission-capable state to support flight operations during the underway period. The comprehensive evaluation verified the system's ability to meet identified key performance parameters and assessed operational effectiveness in helping the national security cutter complete its missions during routine operations. The testing also evaluated operational suitability. No critical operational issues were identified.
The continued availability of UAS capabilities represents a critical addition to the Coast Guard's airborne surveillance fleet, providing the persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacity required for effective mission execution across the national security cutters’ diverse operational portfolio.
For more information: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program page