Shield AI has announced a major milestone for its V-BAT unmanned aerial system (UAS) after successfully completing a maritime operational trial with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the Italian Coast Guard. The programme also resulted in V-BAT receiving the highest operational authorization granted to date in Europe for unmanned maritime operations under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework.

The authorization, issued by the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) to Global Sat Tech as the operator of record, achieved SAIL III, representing the highest approval level yet granted in Europe for maritime Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft operations. Shield AI supported the certification effort by providing technical documentation, operational procedures, crew training and overall technical assistance throughout the authorization process.

The operational evaluation was conducted from the Italian Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel Dattilo in the central Mediterranean. During the 19-day deployment, two V-BAT aircraft accumulated approximately 150 flight hours, completing the programme two days ahead of schedule. Operating as an integrated element of the patrol vessel, the aircraft flew continuous day and night missions, with both systems simultaneously airborne for up to twenty hours per day during peak operations. Flights extended to distances of approximately 150 kilometres from the vessel, significantly increasing the surveillance area beyond the reach of the ship’s onboard sensors.

A key demonstration took place on 8 July 2026, when senior representatives from Frontex and the Italian Coast Guard observed a live search-and-rescue exercise. During the demonstration, one V-BAT successfully detected a small inflatable boat and provided real-time information that supported the coordination of the rescue operation, illustrating the platform’s potential to enhance maritime surveillance and emergency response missions.

According to Shield AI, achieving SAIL III validates the aircraft’s safety case, operational procedures and technical documentation against the most demanding regulatory standard currently applied to unmanned maritime systems within Europe. The company believes the successful evaluation provides an important reference for European nations considering unmanned systems for border surveillance, maritime security and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The trial also builds upon V-BAT’s previous operational experience in the Black Sea and Aegean Sea, demonstrating the aircraft’s suitability for demanding maritime environments. While the authorization applies specifically to the approved operational procedures conducted in Italy, the validated documentation is expected to facilitate future certification efforts by operators in other European countries working with their respective national aviation authorities.

Designed as a NATO Class I vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft, V-BAT combines a ducted-fan configuration, heavy-fuel engine and endurance of up to twelve hours. Its ability to operate from confined locations, including ship decks and austere environments, together with its resilience in contested electronic warfare environments, positions the system as a cost-effective solution for maritime surveillance, border security and expeditionary operations. The successful Frontex evaluation further strengthens V-BAT’s position as one of Europe’s most advanced operational unmanned maritime surveillance platforms.