Poland has signed a contract to acquire V-Bat unmanned aerial vehicles from Shield AI for its naval forces, according to Breaking Defense. The deal marks a notable export win for the U.S.-based manufacturer and underscores Warsaw's push to modernize its maritime surveillance capabilities.
The selection of the V-Bat, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone, reflects a focus on systems that can operate in contested electromagnetic environments. In Ukraine, V-Bat drones have withstood electronic warfare attacks that have downed other UAVs, giving them a reputational edge among NATO buyers.
The procurement strengthens Poland's naval reconnaissance posture along the Baltic Sea, where NATO faces increasing Russian submarine and surface activity. It also deepens defense ties between Warsaw and Washington, consistent with Poland's broader effort to allocate over 4% of GDP to defense.
Contract value and delivery timeline were not disclosed in the report. The deal is part of a wider Polish investment in unmanned systems, including loitering munitions and medium-altitude long-endurance drones, as the country accelerates capability purchases following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Analysts caution that while the V-Bat has proven effective in Ukraine, its long-term performance in naval operations—with saltwater exposure and shipboard launch constraints—remains unverified. The system's operational history has been primarily land-based.