# DoD Advances eVTOL Aircraft Procurement

The Department of Defense, primarily through the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime program, is actively investing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with a focus on hybrid propulsion, autonomy, and extended range capabilities. Archer Aviation leads with a contract valued at up to **$142 million** awarded in 2024, while Joby Aviation holds a potential contract worth **$131 million** for up to nine aircraft and autonomous flight technology development. These procurements highlight a strategic shift toward integrating autonomous and hybrid eVTOL platforms into military operations, signaling expanding opportunities for defense contractors specializing in these advanced aviation technologies.

- **Key agencies involved:** U.S. Air Force and broader Department of Defense are driving eVTOL acquisition efforts under the Agility Prime initiative.
- **Contract values:** Archer Aviation's awarded contract and Joby Aviation's potential contract collectively represent significant investment exceeding $270 million.
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the prioritization of autonomy, hybrid propulsion, and longer-range capabilities as critical evaluation criteria for future solicitations.
- **Actionable insights:** Contractors with expertise in autonomous flight systems, hybrid propulsion technologies, and military-grade eVTOL platforms should consider aligning their offerings to meet DoD requirements and explore partnership or subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors like Archer and Joby.
- **Location relevance:** Testing and development activities are centered at Edwards Air Force Base, California, indicating a geographic hub for these programs.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Department of Defense (DoD)

### Vendors
- Archer Aviation (prime contractor)
- Joby Aviation (prime contractor)
- L3Harris (contractor)
- Resonant Sciences (defense contractor)
- Boeing (defense business seller)

### Key Quotes
> Archer has the cleaner alignment with where Pentagon spending appears to be heading: autonomy, hybrid propulsion, longer range, and uncrewed military aircraft.
> — Jeff Siegel, Analyst

### Sources
- [The Pentagon Is Buying eVTOLs. Here's Which Stock Wins the Defense Money. - AOL](https://www.aol.ca/articles/pentagon-buying-evtols-heres-stock-215000000.html) - AOL.ca