ATHENS, November 11, 2026 – The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has ordered additional Shield V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial vehicles for the Hellenic Armed Forces, according to Shield.
The order significantly expands a capability already in Greek service for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) on land and at sea. The contract also covers spares, training, ground support equipment and long-term in-service support.
A common fleet across the services
Operating one V-BAT fleet across the Armed Forces will improve interoperability and standardise training and maintenance. Both services gain access to a runway-independent aircraft built for maritime and expeditionary operations.
James Lythgoe, Shield’s regional director for Eastern and Southeast Europe, described the order as a major expansion of Greece’s persistent ISR capacity. He called it a strong vote of confidence in an aircraft already serving with Hellenic forces.
Lythgoe said the V-BAT suits the Aegean, where forces need long-endurance ISR from islands, coastlines, ships and austere sites without relying on runways.
Procurement through NSPA
NSPA awarded the contract under its UAS Support Partnership legal framework. The framework lets participating nations buy and support uncrewed aerial systems across the full life cycle.
By consolidating national requirements, NSPA can shorten contracting timelines, build common support solutions and offer shared logistics and economies of scale. Participating nations keep ownership and control of their capabilities. The agency’s AGS and UAS Programme supports acquisition, spares, maintenance, training, upgrades and technical assistance.
Shield’s growing Greek footprint
The contract follows a run of Shield agreements in Greece, where the company has opened a regional office in Athens. In October, Shield signed a memorandum of understanding with GEK TERNA to pursue X-BAT opportunities, including a Greek industrial participation strategy and possible local production and sustainment.
In July, Shield partnered with ALTUS LSA to arm the V-BAT with the Greek-built KMB Hunter interceptor. Both deals build on an existing partnership with EFA GROUP on sovereign autonomous pilots powered by Hivemind.
Learn more on Shield’s Website
