Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 21:38 IST Under the deal, the Army will receive V-BAT systems along with licences for Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, which will be integrated into the aircraft. Used by Israel Against Hamas, Shield AI to Supply V-BAT Drones to Indian Army (Photo: X) US Defence firm Shield AI, will now supply V-BAT drones to the Indian Army. Shield AI has earlier worked with Israel, which has deployed AI systems in Gaza. Under the deal, the Army will receive V-BAT systems along with licences for Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, which will be integrated into the aircraft. As per reports, Shield AI’s products have previously been used by Israeli forces against Hamas and are also being used by Ukrainian forces. Its Nova system reportedly helped the Israeli Defence Forces locate Hamas tunnel networks. What is V-BAT system? V-BAT is a Group 3 vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft with a ducted-fan design, over 12 hours of endurance and a heavy-fuel engine. It is designed for electronic warfare environments and provides intelligence, surveillance …