Motley Fool’s analysis sees Archer Aviation better positioned than Joby Aviation for Pentagon eVTOL work, citing the hybrid-electric, autonomous Thunder aircraft it is developing with Anduril as the Defense Department shifts toward hybrid aircraft and autonomous flight.
Archer’s Air Force Agility Prime contract is worth up to $142 million, and it delivered a Midnight aircraft to the service in 2024. Joby’s Air Force contract had a potential value of $131 million and plans for up to nine aircraft. Joby disclosed that the Defense Department shifted Agility Prime toward hybrid aircraft and autonomous flight in 2025 and reduced the scope of its contract.
Archer and Anduril unveiled Thunder in July, a Group 5 autonomous hybrid-electric aircraft designed for military missions. Archer also announced in August a deal to acquire Boeing’s Insitu, Wisk Aero and SkyGrid businesses; Insitu generates more than $200 million in annual revenue. Joby agreed to acquire defense contractor Resonant Sciences for about $500 million; if completed, Resonant would become its dedicated defense business. The article cautions that Archer’s Air Force contract is a maximum potential value, not guaranteed revenue, and that Thunder still has to prove itself.
