RNLN acquires V-BAT VTOL UAS

One of 12 Shield AI V-BAT VTOL UASs acquired by the Royal Netherlands Navy undergoing operational testing aboard Zr. Ms. Johan de Witt amphibious assault ship during Exercise ‘Cold Response 2026'. (Royal Netherlands Navy)

The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has acquired the Shield AI V-BAT vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for use aboard its ships.

The service announced the procurement of 12 V-BAT systems on 17 March, saying that operational trials had been launched aboard the HNLMS (also referred to asZr.Ms.) Johan de Witt landing platform dock (LPD) during Exercise ‘Cold Response 2026', running from 9 to 19 March in and around Norway.

“After extensive testing, the navy has purchased 12 V-BAT drones. Equipped with radar and camera, this type of drone carries out reconnaissance and gathers information. The drone can fly for many hours, at an altitude of several km. With the data, the navy gains more ‘situational awareness' and can make better decisions,” the RNLN said.

As noted in the announcement, the ground-control equipment for the V-BATs will be installed aboard eight RNLN ships. The navy did not disclose the identity of these ships, although presumably HNLMS Johan de Witt will be included. “The V-BAT takes up little space. The system fits in a few boxes. The drone is stored on the helicopter deck. In a place of only 5 m x 5 m, the V-BAT can take to the air. The [aircraft] starts straight up and then tilts to a horizontal position,” the service said.

The RNLN did not disclose a timeline for when the V-BAT will be fully operational, but did note that its acquisition had been expedited by being done through the NATO procurement framework.

According to