BLUF
The runway independent Shield AI X-BAT tail-sitting combat drone could transform Western Pacific airpower. With vertical take-off, long range, and autonomous operation, it challenges traditional basing and logistics assumptions for future air operations.Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how vertical take-off Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV) concepts such as the X-BAT could mitigate ADF/RAAF vulnerabilities stemming from fixed-base dependence in high-threat environments.
- Examine how uncrewed, autonomous air combat systems could expand dispersal, survivability, and rapid response options.
- Assess the logistical, operational, and ethical considerations of deploying runway-independent UCAVs.
