The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has selected V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS), developed by San Diego-based Shield AI, as the country’s first-ever maritime-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform.

As informed, this “milestone” deal represents the beginning of a planned multi-year stream of increasing V-BAT orders to support JMSDF operations. Under the agreement, the JMSDF will acquire multiple V-BAT UAS from Shield AI to enhance the surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities of its surface vessels.