Shield AI lands $150M Navy contract to advance AI-piloted fighter jet that will be built south of Seattle

Shield AI’s new X-BAT autonomous fighter jet is designed to take off and land vertically. Defense technology startup Shield AI has secured a $150 million contract from the U.S. Navy to advance development of its X-BAT autonomous fighter jet — providing fresh federal backing for the program as the company establishes its first major manufacturing footprint south of Seattle.