A Romanian naval officer sustained severe injuries, including the loss of two fingers, during a military drone testing exercise conducted by the American startup Shield AI. The incident occurred on May 12 off the coast of Texas, raising concerns about safety protocols associated with the V-BAT drone.
According to reports, the officer’s hand came into contact with the drone’s rotor during the training session. Following the accident, she underwent multiple surgeries and has since been transferred to a military medical center in the United States for further treatment.
Investigative journalism has revealed that the V-BAT drone has faced ongoing safety issues, with over 50 accidents reported in the past 18 months. Some employees who raised concerns about these safety matters reportedly faced dismissal.
In response to the incident, Shield AI stated that the injuries were the result of a breach of safety protocols rather than a technical malfunction of the drone itself. The company emphasized that the V-BAT remains one of the most tested drones in its category.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense has announced that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently underway.
A Romanian naval officer was injured during a drone testing exercise in Texas, prompting scrutiny of safety protocols for the V-BAT drone. The incident has led to an ongoing investigation by the Romanian Ministry of Defense.