Engineering & Design

A V-BAT drone operating system sits ready for use during a Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Refresh Challenge at Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, on Nov. 4, 2024. The purpose of the challenge is to directly evaluate and assess Unmanned Aerial System platforms focused on advanced modularity and rapid-update software and shape technology choices with the most operational impact. Approved drones may join the Blue UAS list for rapid deployment, with Global ATO, which enhances the DODs ability to quickly scale and field drone technology. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Richard PerezGarcia)

Japan’s ISR Drone Doctrine Evolves with Shield AI V-BAT

Japan is turning to vertical takeoff drones like Shield AI’s V-BAT to extend the reach of its offshore patrol vessels,…