US Marines Test V-BAT Drone From Warship in Nighttime Intelligence Operations
The US Marines tested the V-BAT drone from an amphibious warship at night, using the vertical takeoff and landing UAV for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The flight on January 23, 2026 showed how ship-launched drones can operate from confined decks without runways, opening new options for forward deployed naval forces.
Shipboard Test From USS Portland
Marine Expeditionary Unit Sailors and Marines launched a V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft system from the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Portland during nighttime operations in the Pacific Ocean. The 11th MEU’s flight was one of the first operational uses of this UAV type from an LPD-class ship.
The mission aimed to assess the drone’s performance under limited visibility and tight deck conditions, simulating real world scenarios where runway space is scarce or unavailable.
V-BAT Capabilities and Design
The V-BAT drone is a vertical takeoff and landing platform that transitions to fixed wing flight after liftoff. Its single-engine, ducted-fan design lets it lift off and land straight up and down, then fly efficiently for longer range and endurance.
At just over 10 feet long with about a 9-foot wingspan, the drone is compact enough for ship decks, expeditionary sites, or austere islands. It can fly up to eight hours and carry various payloads, such as high-resolution electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and electronic warfare equipment.
Shield AI’s autonomy software gives the V-BAT navigation and target recognition capability even in GPS-denied or communications-contested environments.
Operational Context and Modernization
Marine Corps leaders aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group see this nighttime test as part of broader efforts to integrate unmanned systems into distributed maritime operations. Concepts like Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and distributed forces depend on persistent ISR to give commanders a shared picture of activity across dispersed units.
Using V-BAT from amphibious ships directly supports ship-to-shore command and control and helps bridge gaps between sea and land forces in contested areas. With tensions rising globally and potential near-peer competitors investing in anti-access strategies, timely intelligence and targeting data are critical for modern littoral operations.
Drone Integration on Naval Decks
Unlike conventional UAVs that need runways or catapult systems, the V-BAT’s vertical takeoff design reduces logistical burden. Marines and Sailors worked with embarked contractors and deck crews to demonstrate reliable launches and recoveries at night. The flights also involved real-time data links to other ships, showing the potential for a shared maritime sensor picture in complex operational settings.
This mission builds on earlier Marine and Navy experience with the V-BAT, including tests from ships like USS Harpers Ferry and USS Portland in past years. The success of this latest operation adds to the case for using compact VTOL UAVs to extend the reach of naval intelligence and reconnaissance.
What Comes Next
As the Corps and Navy evaluate lessons from this nighttime launch, they will refine shipboard handling, communications integration, and endurance planning for future missions. The effort reflects a larger shift toward organic ISR assets on amphibious and expeditionary vessels, helping Marine units operate with greater situational awareness in contested seas and littoral zones.
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