After extensive testing, the Royal Netherlands Navy has purchased 12 V-BAT drones from Shield AI. Equipped with radar and a camera, this type of drone conducts reconnaissance and collects information.
Dutch MoD press release – Translated by Naval News
The drone can fly for many hours at an altitude of several kilometers. With this data, the Royal Netherlands Navy gains greater situational awareness and can make better decisions.
The first operational tests with the V-BAT were conducted from HNLMS Johan de Witt during Cold Response off Norway. This allowed for an examination of the conditions under which the V-BAT can be deployed safely. After all, turbulence on the helicopter deck differs from ship to ship. Therefore, measurements must always be taken before the drone is used.
The Navy received the drone footage when the drone was actually in the air. Objects were surveyed and potential shipping routes were examined.
8 ships
The control equipment for the 12 V-BATs is being installed on 8 different ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The delivery is faster than normal. This is because the equipment can be purchased directly from the manufacturer as the NATO procurement framework was used.
Convenient: the V-BAT takes up little space. The system fits into a few crates. The drone is stored on the helicopter deck. The V-BAT can take to the skies in a space of just 5 by 5 meters. The object takes off straight up and then tilts to a horizontal position.
Without satellite
The V-BAT has already proven itself in Ukraine. Thanks to AI, the drone can also perform without satellite connections. The American company Shield AI builds the drone. Together with the Navy and the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), the firm is making the system even better and future-proof.
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