WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Harvey County Economic Development and the Greater Wichita announce that Shield AI, a venture-backed defense-technology company, has selected the Newton City-County Airport as the site for a new flight test facility.

Shield AI develops autonomy software and aircraft that use artificial intelligence to protect service members and civilians in high-risk environments. The company’s latest innovation, the X-BAT, is the world’s first AI-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet.

Initial plans include leasing approximately 10,000 square feet of space and three acres of land for flight testing.

This project has the potential to create 30 to 60 full-time jobs and nearly $1 million in infrastructure improvements over the next few years with the addition of a manufa

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