WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Newton City-County Airport will be playing a role in what could be the future of defense.

Harvey County Economic Development and the Greater Wichita Partnership announced Wednesday that the airport had been chosen as the testing site for a first-of-its-kind aircraft.

Shield AI has selected the airport to test the X-BAT, an artificial intelligence-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet.

“Shield AI is excited to partner with the Newton and Harvey County communities as we continue to advance autonomous aviation technologies,” Armor Harris, senior vice president of aircraft, said in a news release. “The region’s large aviation ecosystem, skilled workforce, and strong public-private partnerships make south-central Kansas an ideal location for innovation.

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