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, a move designed to significantly deepen its ties in the defense sector.
Resonant Sciences will operate as Joby’s dedicated defense business, integrating its "low observability," autonomy, and advanced sensing technologies to pursue next-generation defense platforms and classified programs.
This strategic acquisition allows Joby’s core commercial division to focus primarily on certifying and commercializing its S4 eVTOL air taxi, while consolidating all existing defense-related projects under the new Resonant unit.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.