An ominous AI fighter drone has been unveiled in Washington.

X-BAT is controlled by an AI-brain called Hivemind and can fly 2,300 miles to strike enemy targets.

Deep-tech company Shield AI said X-BAT is designed to expand U.S. and allied warfighting capacity, offering an autonomous aircraft that does not need a runway.

Able to fly as a wingman, or operate alone, the VTOL aircraft is capable of attacking targets, as well as counter air, electronic warfare, and spy missions.

Shield AI said: "Hivemind enables X-BAT to autonomously penetrate contested battlespace, dynamically team with manned aircraft, and execute collaborative tactics without constant communications. This autonomy allows X-BAT to function as a drone wingman or as a standalone asset."

Brandon Tseng, Shield AI co-founder, president, and former Navy SEAL, said: "At Shield AI, we believe the greatest victory requires no war. To make that belief real, we're executing a simple but ambitious master plan: prove the value of autonomy, scale it across domains, and reimagine air power."

"X-BAT represents the next part of that plan, expanding U.S. and allied warfighting capacity through a transformative, runway-independent aircraft."

"Airpower without runways is the holy grail of deterrence. It gives our forces persistence, reach, and survivability, and it buys diplomacy another day."

Armor Harris, senior vice president of aircraft at Shield AI, added: "X-BAT's ability to autonomously operate standalone or collaboratively allows it to project power when other assets aren't around and simplifies kill chains."