Armenia buys V-BAT drones proven in Ukraine

Armenia has acquired U.S.-made V-BAT intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance unmanned aerial system.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed the acquisition of the combat-proven V-BAT system during a visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to the country. Pashinyan said the drones were acquired via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales framework, presenting the deal as part of a broader Armenia–U.S. security partnership that has expanded in recent years.

The V-BAT is an unmanned aerial system developed by Shield AI and is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The system uses a vertical takeoff and landing configuration, allowing operations from confined or austere locations without the need for a runway.

According to publicly available specifications, the V-BAT features a ducted-fan design that enables vertical launch and recovery while transitioning to efficient forward flight for extended endurance. The platform is intended for persistent ISR missions, including border surveillance, maritime monitoring, and battlefield reconnaissance.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Vice President J.D. Vance next to a V-BAT UAV system. (Photo by Ararat Petrosyan)

The acquisition follows recent international interest in the V-BAT platform after its operational use in Ukraine and subsequent export orders from countries including Greece, Japan and India, according to prior disclosures by the manufacturer. Shield AI has positioned the system as a runway-independent ISR asset suitable for both military and government customers.

Armenian officials did not disclose the number of systems delivered, contract value, or delivery timeline. The government also did not specify how the drones will be integrated into Armenia’s existing force structure or which units will operate them.

The visit by Vice President Vance and the public display of the V-BAT system underscored the political visibility of the deal. Armenian officials described the acquisition as aligned with broader efforts to diversify defense partnerships and modernize surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.