Shield AI has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Poland’s Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze nr 2 (WZL-2) to explore cooperation on the design, production, delivery and long-term support of the X-BAT autonomous fighter aircraft.
The agreement was signed during the MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition in Poland and could pave the way for greater Polish industrial involvement in the development and sustainment of the X-BAT.
X-BAT is designed as an AI-piloted, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) combat aircraft, allowing it to operate without conventional runways. The aircraft is intended to launch and recover from locations such as small sites, roads and ships, providing greater operational flexibility.
Poland Eyes Domestic X-BAT Production
Under the LOI, Shield AI, PGZ and WZL-2 will determine how Polish industry could participate in the design, manufacturing and delivery of X-BAT for Poland and potential international customers.
The discussions will also cover cooperation around Shield AI’s existing technologies, including the Hivemind autonomy platform and V-BAT aircraft.
The proposed partnership could extend across several areas, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), training, supply-chain participation, technology transfer and future technology development.
The agreement also opens the possibility of involving additional companies within the PGZ Group.
WZL-2 already has extensive experience supporting Poland’s military aircraft fleet and is developing maintenance capabilities for the F110 engine family, which is planned to power the X-BAT.
Building a Polish Support and Manufacturing Base
PGZ Vice President Piotr Zawieja said the company wants Polish industry to have a substantive role in the programme rather than simply act as a customer for a completed aircraft.
The proposed industrial participation would bring together Poland’s aerospace manufacturing, systems integration and sustainment capabilities while potentially integrating Polish companies into the wider X-BAT supply chain.
WZL-2 President Jakub Gazda said the company is also looking to expand its capabilities around the F110 engine family. Its existing experience supporting F-16 and C-130 aircraft operated by the Polish Armed Forces provides a foundation for developing domestic sustainment capabilities for the new platform.
Shield AI President, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Ryan Tseng said the company wants Poland’s established defence-industrial base to play a role in building and supporting X-BAT for both domestic and export markets.
X-BAT and Poland’s Autonomous Combat Aircraft Plans
The agreement comes as Poland explores greater use of autonomous and AI-enabled combat aircraft.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in June that Poland intended to pursue an autonomous combat aircraft programme with Shield AI. Shortly afterward, Poland’s Armament Agency selected the V-BAT unmanned aircraft system for the Polish Navy, with deliveries planned for later in 2026.
The five-year LOI provides a framework for Shield AI, PGZ and WZL-2 to work toward definitive agreements covering specific industrial responsibilities, facilities and programme activities.
If those agreements are concluded, the partnership could establish a broader Polish industrial role in the development, production and sustainment of AI-enabled autonomous combat aircraft.
