GE Aerospace and Shield AI Partner on Propulsion for X-BAT VTOL Fighter Jet

Nov 10, 2025
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have signed an agreement to collaborate on propulsion technologies for Shield AI's AI-piloted X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine with an advanced vectoring nozzle to power the aircraft.

GE Aerospace and Shield AI have agreed to collaborate on propulsion technologies for Shield AI’s new X-BAT vehicle program, announced in a press release. The partnership will use GE Aerospace’s F110-GE-129 engine, equipped with the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN), to power the AI-piloted vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, GE Aerospace will provide propulsion and testing support for the X-BAT program. The F110 engine, which has logged over 11 million flight hours, is known for its reliability and thrust performance. The AVEN system will enable thrust vectoring for vertical flight and improve maneuverability in horizontal operation.

Unveiled in October 2025, X-BAT is designed to operate autonomously using Shield AI’s Hivemind software, functioning either independently or as a drone wingman in contested environments. The collaboration combines GE Aerospace’s propulsion expertise with Shield AI’s autonomous flight technology to accelerate readiness for future unmanned applications.

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