Defense Tech Company Selects Newton Airport for AI Fighter Jet Testing
Shield AI will establish flight test facility, potentially creating up to 60 jobs and spurring nearly $1 million in infrastructure improvements.
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — A California-based defense technology company has chosen the Newton City-County Airport as the site for a new flight test facility that could bring dozens of jobs and significant infrastructure investment to south-central Kansas. Shield AI, which develops artificial intelligence software for military aircraft, announced the selection following approval of a lease agreement by both the Newton City Commission and Harvey County Commission on Tuesday.
The venture-backed company plans to lease approximately 10,000 square feet of space and three acres of land at the airport for testing its latest innovation, the X-BAT. Described as the world's first AI-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet, the X-BAT represents a new generation of autonomous military aircraft designed to operate without human pilots in high-risk environments.
Initial projections suggest the facility could create 30 to 60 full-time jobs over the next few years, with the potential for additional employment if Shield AI adds a manufacturing component to the operation. The company also plans nearly $1 million in infrastructure improvements to support its testing operations at the Harvey County airport.
Shield AI's selection of Newton followed extensive evaluation of sites across south-central Kansas, with support from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Company representatives met with state, regional and local partnership leaders at two international air shows before conducting detailed tours of potential locations throughout the region.
Founded in 2015 by former Navy SEAL Brandon Tseng and his co-founders, Shield AI develops autonomous systems designed to protect military personnel and civilians. The company's Hivemind autonomy software powers various aircraft platforms, while the X-BAT represents its entry into the emerging market for collaborative combat aircraft also known as 'loyal wingmen'.
The Loyal Wingman is an advanced unmanned aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fighter jets, extending their range, surveillance, and strike capabilities while reducing risk to human pilots. Developed as part of next-generation air combat systems, the drone operates semi-autonomously, using artificial intelligence to follow commands, share targeting data, and perform missions such as reconnaissance or electronic warfare. Its lower cost compared to traditional jets enables deployment in greater numbers, marking a major shift toward manned-unmanned teaming in modern air forces.
Greg Loving
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