Shield AI Expands Presence in India, Opens New Delhi Office

V-BAT drone manufacturer Shield AI has expanded its presence in India with the opening of a New Delhi office, part of a wholly owned subsidiary that will operate across two locations in the country.

Shield AI India will support software integration, engineering, and autonomy development for systems selected by the Indian Armed Forces, working with the domestic industry while strengthening local engineering and software development capabilities.

The New Delhi office is now operational, with a second location in Bengaluru scheduled to open later this summer.

Company President and Co-founder Ryan Tseng described India as "central to Shield AI's global mission."

"The depth of engineering talent here combined with our existing strategic partnerships and the trust placed in us by the Indian Armed Forces make India one of the most important partners in our long-term plans. Shield AI India is our commitment to building lasting capability in the country -- not just selling to it," he said.

In November 2024, the US firm partnered with Indian company JSW Defence to locally manufacture its V-BAT drone.

The V-BAT is a vertical takeoff and landing drone designed to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and targeting missions.

It is powered by a JP-8 engine and able to remain airborne for more than 12 hours.

Shield AI pitched its V-BAT drone to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force in September 2025.

By December, JSW Defence began building a $90-million V-BAT production facility at Hyderabad, intended to serve the needs of the Indian military and global customers. It is expected to become operational in late 2026.

In January 2026, India selected the US defense tech firm to supply V-BAT drones equipped with the company's Hivemind autonomy software, as well as provide licenses for the autonomy system.