AUSA 2026: Shield AI's X-BAT advances sustainment support and US Navy funding

GE Aerospace, Shield AI and Poland's WZL-2 signed an October 12 memorandum to explore maintenance, repair and overhaul support for the F110 engine powering Shield AI's X-BAT unmanned fighter. The proposed sustainment capability also covers the engine's Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle, supporting the aircraft's vertical-takeoff design. Separately, the US Navy added $150 million to its existing X-BAT Other Transaction agreement, following $50 million provided in August under the Runway Independent Maritime Expeditionary Strike effort. Shield AI is matching both government funding actions with its own capital, bringing combined investment to $400 million while the aircraft remains in development.