Joby Splits Commercial and Defense VTOL Projects With $500M Acquisition

Manufacturer says new defense unit will allow its core business to focus on commercializing an electric air taxi.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Pictured: Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt (left) and Resonant Sciences co-founder and CEO J. Micah North. [Credit: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Joby Aviation is acquiring Resonant Sciences for $500 million, aiming to significantly expand its defense business and integrate specialized low observability and autonomy technologies.
The acquisition establishes Resonant Sciences as Joby's dedicated defense arm, enabling Joby's core organization to focus solely on certifying and commercializing its S4 eVTOL air taxi.
This strategic move will consolidate Joby's existing defense projects and leverage Resonant's profitable defense programs and advanced capabilities, aligning with a broader industry trend of eVTOL developers pursuing military contracts.

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Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft developer Joby Aviation on Tuesday announced a $500 million acquisition that it said will deepen its ties in defense while accelerating commercialization of its electric VTOL (eVTOL) air taxi.

The company said its “definitive agreement” to acquire Dayton, Ohio-based Resonant Sciences for $500 million is expected to close in early 2027. The deal includes about $50 million in Joby common stock. Resonant will operate under the same name and retain its CEO and co-founder, J. Micah North, while Joby’s core business will narrow focus to certification of the S4—its civil, four-passenger electric aircraft announced back in 2020.