Shield AI and ROK’s LIG Nex1 signed a deal for the integration of L-MDM lightweight missiles on the V-BAT tail-sitting VTOL UAV during the UMEX 2026 exhibition.
V-BAT, initially used for ISR missions with runway independence, thanks to its tail-sitting VTOL configuration, will get lightweight armament from the ROK’s LIG Nex1.
The deal was signed during the UMEX 2026 defence exhibition held in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.
The L-MDM missile, in development, which is a name mentioned for the first time, will be mounted on V-BAT’s wings through launch canisters. L-MDM was described as a lightweight laser-guided missile in the press release. As V-BAT can carry a laser designator, it is assumed that the UAV can use L-MDM on its own.
So far, armament has been reserved for MALE/HALE UCAVs and some tactical UAVs. The emergence of smaller munitions and FPV kamikaze UAVs has expanded the armament option towards the lighter fixed-wing VTOL UAVs. The runway independence of such platforms can allow on-demand armed ISR support that can be facilitated outside airbases.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
