The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has placed a follow-on order for additional Shield V-BAT uncrewed aerial vehicles(drones) for Greece with the international procurement body announcing the new defense contract on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft will join the existing fleet of the Hellenic Army and Navy.
According to manufacturer Shield AI, the new order expands current intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities at sea and on land.
Enhancing interoperability across military branches
The deployment of a unified V-BAT fleet military drones aims to standardize operational training and maintenance procedures across different military arms. The NSPA manages the drone acquisition process through its specialized Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Support Partnership framework.
This mechanism groups requirement requests from different alliance members to accelerate standard defense contracting timelines. Eventually, the system establishes centralized logistics solutions to secure cost-saving economies of scale throughout the aircraft lifecycle.
Despite the joint alliance procurement structure, participating sovereign states shall retain ownership and command over their respective hardware assets.
Exploiting runway-independent flexibility in the Aegean Sea
Manufacturer Shield AI states that the aircraft’s compact, ducted-fan design makes it an ideal asset for restrictive geographical terrains. The specialized platform delivers up to 12 hours of flight endurance without relying on traditional concrete runways.
Shield AI Regional Director James Lythgoe labeled the contract as a strong vote of confidence in the operational platform. Lythgoe noted that the V-BAT that Greece acquires enables persistent tracking missions from isolated islands, naval vessels, and confined spaces. According to him, the long-range platform provides vital situational awareness across the Aegean Sea without demanding complex launch infrastructure.
Expanding local industrial partnerships and assembly facilities
The defense contract represents the latest expansion milestone for the American manufacturer within the local Greek market. Shield AI previously opened a regional corporate office in Athens to anchor its Mediterranean business development. Furthermore, the firm recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with domestic infrastructure company GEK TERNA.
Both entities are currently exploring the construction of a permanent local industrial base for the larger X-BAT system. The project considers domestic component manufacturing, final aircraft assembly, and dedicated maintenance facilities. Additionally, the firm collaborates with ALTUS LSA to equip platforms with Greek-made KMB Hunter interceptor drones.
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