V-BAT Drones to Be Equipped with Guided Missiles

V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicles developed by the U.S. company Shield AI will be equipped with South Korean–made guided missile weapons.

According to a company press release, the drones will be armed with L-MDM missiles produced by South Korea’s LIG Nex1. The agreement was signed at the UMEX 2026 international defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

L-MDM (Laser-guided Missile for Drones) is an air-to-ground guided missile specifically designed for use with unmanned aerial vehicles.

Thanks to laser guidance, the missile provides high-precision engagement of both stationary and moving targets.

The L-MDM missile was developed with the requirements of rapid and straightforward integration with existing UAV platforms of various types in mind — including both multirotor systems and fixed-wing designs.

V-BAT

V-BAT is a tactical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the American company Shield AI.

The drone is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions, including operations in environments with active electronic warfare.

The aircraft features a ducted fan configuration, enabling vertical takeoff and landing without the need for a runway.

V-BAT can be deployed from confined areas, ship decks, or field positions.

Specifications:

• Wingspan: approximately 3.8 m
• Maximum takeoff weight: up to 70–75 kg
• Payload capacity: up to 18 kg
• Endurance: over 12 hours
• Service ceiling: up to 6,000 m
• Engine: JP-5 / JP-8

V-BAT supports the integration of electro-optical and thermal imaging systems, radar sensors, laser rangefinders, and target designators. The platform is modular and designed for rapid payload changes.

One of the drone’s key features is its high level of autonomy. Thanks to the Hivemind software suite, the aircraft can carry out missions with minimal operator involvement, including in environments where GPS is denied and communication links are jammed.

The unmanned system is actively used in Ukraine.