Shield AI picks Seattle area for X-BAT autonomous fighter jet plant, 4,000 jobs

Shield AI has chosen Des Moines, Washington, to build its AI-piloted X-BAT autonomous fighter jet. The company is constructing a 420,000-square-foot X-Forge 3 facility, expects 4,000 workers by the early 2030s and plans about 150 aircraft per year.

• First X-BAT aircraft expected to roll off the line in 2028
• Production to ramp to about 150 aircraft per year by early 2030s
• X-BAT carries 2,000-pound class weapons with a 1,000-nautical-mile combat radius
• Shield AI estimates $73 billion economic impact for Washington over 20 years