Last Updated: November 01, 2025, 03:31 IST AI Fighter: US company Shield AI has launched the world’s first pilotless fighter X-BAT. It can fly from an altitude of 50,000 feet and does not need a runway. The AI ​​system “Hivemind” gives it the ability to fly and attack on its own. American company Shield AI has launched the world’s first AI-powered fighter jet called X-BAT. (Photo Shield AI) AI Fighter: The world’s first AI-powered vertical takeoff fighter is ready. The special thing is that it will not have a pilot or the need for a runway. American defense technology company Shield AI has developed this fighter jet, which can fly up to a height of 50,000 feet with one click. The name of this jet is X-BAT which runs entirely on Artificial Intelligence system “Hivemind”. This is the same technology that gives the jet the ability to determine its own direction, attack and return safely from the enemy even without GPS and communications. X-BAT is called the “AI fighter” of the future, which can change the face of the battlefield. Technical Strengths – Small size, large capacity The X-BAT is compact in size, but as powerful as conventional fighter jets. Its wingspan is less than 12 meters and it can fly up to a height of 50,000 feet. It can fly up to 2,000 nautical miles (about 3,700 kilometers) at a time. In this, weapons can be mounted on both internal and external parts, allowing it to perform many missions such as strike, intelligence and electronic warfare. No runway needed – take off from anywhere possible. The biggest feature of X-BAT is its Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) system. This means it needs no airbase or runway to fly. It can fly directly from land or ship. Shield AI is built on the philosophy of “The Earth is our Runway”. This means that fighter jets can now be deployed from any difficult area in the war zone. AI will become the brain – no pilot needed. The brain of this fighter is its “Hivemind AI System” which makes it completely autonomous. It can decide missions on its own, perform navigation and even work in coordination with human-powered aircraft. It is called “Drone Wingman Concept”. In this, human pilots make strategic decisions and AI jets perform the actual operations. Big change in war strategy: X-BAT technology could change the definition of modern war. This not only eliminates the risk to pilot’s life, but also enables lower costs and more efficient missions. Military experts say it is a “cheap but deadly fighter of the future”. It can be deployed on a large scale. The challenges are no less, although this technology is as exciting as it is controversial. The use of fully autonomous weapon systems raises serious questions of accountability, security and ethics. Will machines make decisions about war without human discretion? This will be the biggest debate of the coming times. About the Author Sumit Kumar Sumit Kumar works as Senior Sub Editor in News18 Hindi. He has been associated with the Central Desk team here for the past 3 years. He has a master’s degree in Journalism. Before working in News18 Hindi, … read more Sumit Kumar works as Senior Sub Editor in News18 Hindi. He has been associated with the Central Desk team here for the past 3 years. He has a master’s degree in Journalism. Before working in News18 Hindi, … read more First published: 01 November 2025, 03:31 IST homeworld AI fighter jet X-BAT will roar at 50,000 feet without a pilot