On Dec. 12, Archer Aviation Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif., U.S.) and defense technology company Anduril Industries (Costa Mesa, Calif., U.S.) have announced an exclusive partnership to jointly develop a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for critical defense applications targeting a potential program of record from the Department of Defense (DOD).

With Archer’s ability to rapidly develop VTOL aircraft using existing commercial parts and supply chains, and Anduril’s deep expertise in AI, missionization and systems integration, the partnership aims to accelerate speed to market for critical hybrid VTOL capabilities at a fraction of the cost of more traditional alternatives. 

While it is too early to make mention of materials use, Archer’s experience with composite materials via its Midnight eVTOL platform make their application here possible.

“Rapid innovation and scalable production are critical for maintaining technological superiority,” notes Shane Arnott, SVP of engineering at Anduril. “Anduril and Archer share a common vision for advancing capabilities that meet urgent national security needs.”

Archer’s efforts on this project will be part of its new Archer Defense program. To support this initiative and for other general corporate purposes, Archer has raised $430 million in additional equity capital, with participation from Stellantis, United Airlines and new institutional investors, including Wellington Management and Abu Dhabi investment holding company 2PointZero, a subsidiary of UAE’S largest listed entity, IHC. Archer ended Q3 2024 with $502 million cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet; this most recent raise brings Archer’s total capital raised to nearly $2 billion to date. 

Archer Defense will be led by its head of advanced projects, Joseph Pantalone. Pantalone recently joined Archer and is a seasoned leader in military aviation with nearly 30 years of experience at Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky. He will draw from the continued support of Archer’s Defense Advisory Board, which was formed in May 2023 and is made up of highly decorated and distinguished retired military leaders.