Romania to receive twelve MQ-35A V-BAT drones from the US for intelligence gathering in the Black Sea.

According to HotNews Romania on February 25, 2025, Romania is set to enhance its naval capabilities in the Black Sea through the acquisition of eight MQ-35A V-BAT drones. The Romanian Naval Forces will receive the first V-BAT drone system, consisting of four aircraft, as a donation from the United States through the Maritime Domain Awareness facility. This initial set, valued at approximately $18 million, is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. Following this donation, Romania plans to purchase two additional V-BAT systems, comprising eight drones, through a direct government-to-government agreement with the United States for approximately $30 million.
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Romania is set to receive a total of twelve V-BAT drones with the first four donated by the US and eight more to be purchased through a government-to-government deal. (Picture source: US DoD)

The MQ-35A V-BAT drones, developed by the American company Shield AI, feature vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, allowing them to launch and land vertically on ship decks without requiring an airfield or airstrip. This design is intended to enhance operational flexibility, particularly for naval operations. The drones are designed primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and can also be equipped with laser-guided munitions. The V-BAT's ducted-fan propulsion system increases thrust and safety by avoiding exposed rotors, allowing for use in confined or dynamic environments, including maritime scenarios.

The Romanian Ministry of Defense has identified two primary focus areas for 2025: acquisitions and modernization. Planned acquisitions include the continuation of the minehunter program, with the second Sandown-class ship expected from the UK in May 2025, as well as maritime patrol vessels, intervention ships, maritime tugs, man-portable air-defense systems (MANPAD), the V-BAT unmanned aerial system, radio stations, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) equipment, and multifunctional wheeled vehicle transport platforms. Modernization projects will target maritime dredgers, frigates, missile carriers, maritime support and intervention ships, and corvettes.

The V-BAT drones were previously utilized in Ukraine during late 2024 and early 2025, where they were reportedly effective against Russian electronic warfare measures. According to Brandon Tseng, president and co-founder of Shield AI, the drones were launched from approximately 40 kilometers behind the front lines, flew 100 kilometers into Russian-controlled territory, identified SA-11 surface-to-air missile systems, and provided targeting coordinates to a HIMARS airburst system. The operation resulted in the destruction of the missile systems, demonstrating the drones' capacity to gather targeting data and communicate with artillery units under conditions of advanced electronic warfare.

The MQ-35A V-BAT drone weighs 57 kg, including a payload capacity of up to 11.3 kg, and offers an air endurance of up to 10 hours. It operates within a radio range of 130 km and can achieve a flight ceiling of 6,100 meters. The drone can carry a variety of payloads, including electro-optical (EO) and mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras, automated information systems (AIS), and land/maritime wide-area search (WAS) AI-based technologies. It is powered by a 288cc two-stroke EFI engine and has a maximum airspeed of 157 km/h, with a cruise speed of 98 km/h. The required landing zone is 4 by 4 meters, and it can transition from hover to flight in under 15 seconds.

James Lithgow, director of Shield AI, mentioned at the Defense Tech Innovation Forum 2025 that discussions are underway to integrate laser-guided munitions developed in Ukraine with the V-BAT system. While specific Ukrainian partners were not disclosed, this integration would potentially expand the drone’s operational roles to include direct combat support. The V-BAT's modular architecture allows for the integration of a range of sensors and combat payloads, supporting mission-specific adaptability.

Shield AI has also stated that the V-BAT was selected over 13 competitors for the US Navy and SOCOM’s MTUAS Increment 2 Program of Record. The drone’s design facilitates take-off and landing on stationary and moving platforms, including in high winds and on crowded ship decks with landing zones as small as 3.6 by 3.6 meters. The aircraft is designed for expeditionary operations, requiring only two personnel for deployment and capable of being transported in the bed of a pickup truck or a UH-60 Blackhawk. It can be prepared for flight in under 20 minutes, making it suitable for dynamic operational environments.

The Romanian acquisition of V-BAT drones is part of a wider modernization initiative that also includes new minehunters, maritime patrol vessels, and multifunctional wheeled vehicles, as well as upgrades to frigates, missile carriers, and other naval assets. The Ministry of Defense's 2025 focus on the Naval Forces aims to increase operational readiness and maritime security in the Black Sea, a region with significant geopolitical tensions.