NSPA orders more V-BAT UAVs for Greece, delivery in January 2027
V-BAT vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle arrives at the headquarters of Greece's High Military Command of Interior and Islands on 14 May 2025. (Hellenic Ministry of National Defence)
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has ordered additional V-BAT vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Hellenic Armed Forces, according to a press release issued by the manufacturer and contractor Shield AI on 11 November 2026.
The release does not disclose the number of UAVs ordered or the contract value. The additional aircraft will expand the Hellenic Armed Forces' existing fleet of six V-BATs, two of which were delivered in March, which are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over land and sea.
The Greek government has approved the acquisition of 10 more V-BATs, according to a Ministry of National Defence statement on 23 July.
V-BAT UAV: Shield AI November 2026Wingspan 3.8 m Height 2.9 m Maximum gross take-off weight 75 kg Maximum payload capacity 18.1 kg Propulsion Heavy Fuel Engine (JP5) Endurance 12+ hrs (w/ EO/IR payload) Maximum range 130-180 km, depending on data link Landing zone 4.6 m x 4.6 m Shield AIThe NSPA order is the latest step in Greece's previously announced plans to expand its V-BAT fleet. The Hellenic Army signed a procurement agreement with Shield AI on 2 June, followed by the Prime Minister's approval of the procurement as part of a tranche of 11 defence contracts on 23 July, Janes reported.
The first UAVs are scheduled to arrive in January 2027, said Shield AI's regional director for Eastern and Southeast Europe James Lythgoe, speaking to Janes
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