In October 2025, American defense technology company Shield AI officially unveiled the X-BAT, a fully autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter jet that has the potential to fundamentally redefine airpower. This revolutionary aircraft distinguishes itself from conventional manned fighter jets and unmanned aircraft by eliminating the need for a runway and autonomously executing combat missions powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Military experts and analysts have hailed it as a game-changer that will redefine the very nature of fighter aircraft.