The Boeing Company and Archer Aviation Inc. have announced definitive agreements under which Archer will acquire Boeing’s Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu subsidiaries. The transaction will bring together capabilities in autonomy, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), creating an end-to-end physical AI platform for aerospace and defence.
Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu have developed autonomous flight technologies that, combined with Archer’s air taxi, UAS and AI technologies, are intended to support new aerospace and defence applications. The companies have nearly two million combined flight hours, providing what Archer describes as a deep autonomy foundation for its ZEE artificial intelligence platform.
The transaction is intended to position Archer to deliver an end-to-end physical AI platform spanning commercial aerospace, defence and air traffic management.
“This is a watershed moment for Archer and the future of physical AI in aerospace and defense. This is the next big step forward in becoming a diversified platform, rapidly growing our revenue base and bringing scale to our business,” said Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer.
As part of the transaction, Boeing and Archer will enter into a collaboration and technology-sharing arrangement. Boeing will retain access to Wisk’s core autonomous flight technology for its current and next-generation commercial and defence aircraft.
The transaction will also allow Boeing to retain strategic upside through its stake in Archer while focusing current and future investments on its core businesses.
“This transaction is a win-win for Boeing and Archer,” said Brian Yutko, Boeing vice president, Commercial Airplanes Product Development. “It allows Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu to accelerate capability development and time to market while ensuring Boeing capitalizes on its investments in these technologies over the past two decades through continued development in our core businesses.”
“Having worked with the incredible teams in these companies firsthand, it’s clear this transaction will create an industry leader in the advanced aviation market. We look forward to collaborating with Archer to drive continued innovation in aerospace, defense and autonomy,” Yutko added.
Wisk has designed, built and flown six generations of eVTOL aircraft and has conducted more than 1,700 flight tests. Over the past 16 years, its team has developed autonomous flight capabilities using a flight-control computer, sensor suite and radar system designed for certification in civil and potential defence markets.
Insitu designs, develops and manufactures uncrewed aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Its portfolio includes VTOL-capable UAS and AI-enabled software solutions. According to the companies, Insitu’s technologies have supported the armed forces of 35 nations. The company operates from offices in the United States, Australia, the UK and the UAE, has manufactured and fielded more than 3,500 UAS, and provides operations and support networks globally.
SkyGrid has developed a ground-based, aircraft-agnostic air traffic management solution intended to provide a digital foundation for automated airspace. Its technology supports airspace integration, automation and coordinated traffic management for aviation applications.
Additional transaction details are available in Archer’s Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The transaction remains subject to agreed closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, and is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor to Archer, with Fenwick & West LLP as outside counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor to Boeing, with Mayer Brown LLP acting as outside counsel.
