At the F-Air defense exhibition on August 4, 2025, U.S. defense tech firm Shield AI showcased its V-BAT 128 unmanned aerial vehicle, signaling a potential leap in Colombia’s aerial surveillance capabilities. The Colombian Navy is currently considering the acquisition of this AI-powered drone for border monitoring, counter-narcotics missions, and intelligence gathering in jungle environments. The event marked Shield AI’s strategic entry into Latin America, aligning with growing regional interest in autonomous defense solutions.
The V-BAT 128 is a Group 3 tactical UAS featuring a tail-sitting vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) design, which allows deployment without runways or launch equipment. This unique capability enables operations from tight naval decks, rugged terrains, or narrow jungle clearings — ideal for Colombia’s varied geography. With a gross takeoff weight of 56.7 kg, the drone balances long endurance with portability.
Equipped with a fuel-injected piston engine, the V-BAT 128 can fly for up to 11 hours depending on mission configuration. It offers a line-of-sight range exceeding 600 km and optional SATCOM connectivity for beyond-line-of-sight operations. Its modular payload bay supports a range of sensors, including EO/IR cameras, SAR, WAMI, hyperspectral systems, ELINT kits, and comms relays — allowing multi-role flexibility.
The system runs on Hivemind, Shield AI’s proprietary AI flight software. This enables fully autonomous mission planning, GPS-denied navigation via visual-inertial odometry, and real-time coordination with other UAVs. These autonomous capabilities are vital for operations in environments where GPS, satellite communication, or traditional control links may be unreliable due to jamming or terrain interference.
Previously deployed by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Operations forces, the V-BAT 128 has proven effective in ISR overwatch, target acquisition, communications bridging, and tactical mission support. Its portable ground control station allows for rapid setup and operation by two-person teams, offering live data streaming and dynamic mission adjustments.
Colombia’s interest in the V-BAT 128 reflects a broader modernization push to replace aging platforms and enhance operational autonomy. A revised intelligence doctrine announced in 2024 prioritized rapid data collection, flexible assets, and decentralized operations — all roles the V-BAT is well suited for. The Navy’s expanding focus on maritime domain awareness and jungle surveillance has made such systems a critical asset.
Should Colombia proceed with acquisition, the V-BAT 128 would be among the most advanced UAVs operating in Latin America. Its versatility across ISR, EW, SIGINT, and interdiction missions positions it as a strategic multiplier in both conventional and irregular warfare.
Shield AI is reportedly in talks with Colombian defense officials to conduct field trials by the end of 2025, potentially involving deployment from naval patrol vessels, Amazon river bases, and remote jungle posts. The V-BAT’s integration into Colombia’s defense structure could mark a pivotal shift toward AI-driven, autonomous warfare in the region.
