Shield AI splits X-BAT operations between Kansas and Washington

The two sites are integral to the X-BAT lifecycle, joining the existing prototyping facility in Frisco, Texas. In Newton, the company will operate X-Forge 2, focusing on production acceptance, development testing, and long-term sustainment. Shield AI is currently expanding its footprint at the Newton City-County Airport to accommodate these requirements. The choice of Kansas leverages the state’s century-long aviation manufacturing history and established training pipelines at institutions like Wichita State University.

In Des Moines, Shield AI is building out X-Forge 3 to serve as the primary manufacturing site. The location offers access to a dense aerospace cluster, with King County alone home to over 45,000 industry workers. As production ramps up toward the projected 2029 launch, the company expects its regional workforce to grow significantly. Shield AI projects the program will support roughly 9,800 jobs across these states by the early 2030s, with a combined economic impact estimated at $78 billion through 2046. The X-BAT itself, powered by Hivemind autonomy software and a GE Aerospace F110 engine, is designed for long-range operations in GPS-denied environments without the need for runways.