Safety concerns surrounding the V-BAT military drone developed by U.S.-based defense technology company Shield AI have resurfaced after a Romanian naval officer suffered severe injuries during a training exercise in the United States.

Romanian officer seriously injured

According to Romania's Ministry of National Defence, the incident occurred on May 12 during training operations off the coast of Texas when the officer's hand came into contact with the propeller of a V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicle.

The accident resulted in the loss of two fingers and a fracture to a third. Romanian authorities said an investigation is ongoing and that it is too early to determine responsibility.

The officer underwent surgery in New Orleans before later being transferred to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.

Reuters investigation highlights safety concerns

The incident comes as a Reuters investigation revealed long-standing technical and safety concerns surrounding the V-BAT program.

Based on interviews with former employees, industry executives and investors, as well as internal documents and court filings, Reuters reported that more than 50 of approximately 200 upgraded V-BAT drones crashed during testing or training flights over the past 18 months.

The investigation also cited allegations that some employees who raised safety concerns were dismissed or left the company.

Company rejects allegations

A whistleblower complaint reviewed by Reuters alleged that certain technical shortcomings were concealed from military customers and that drone performance data was portrayed more favorably than actual results suggested.

Shield AI rejected the allegations, saying V-BAT is among the most operationally experienced vertical takeoff and landing drones currently in service, with more than 18,000 flight hours since 2019.

The company said the Romanian officer's injury was not caused by a product defect but resulted from a violation of established safety procedures.

Future military programs

Romania's Navy signed a contract worth about $30 million for V-BAT systems last year and said the agreement remains in effect.

Shield AI, valued at $12.7 billion after a funding round completed in March, is also developing a next-generation drone platform known as X-BAT.

According to company documents reviewed by Reuters, the firm aims to develop four X-BAT prototypes by 2029 and has sought up to $500 million in Pentagon support for the project.

The controversy highlights growing scrutiny of safety, reliability and oversight standards as military forces increasingly integrate autonomous and artificial intelligence-enabled systems into their operations.(ILKHA)