Boeing and Archer Aviation have signed definitive agreements under which Archer will acquire Boeing subsidiaries Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu. The transaction is intended to combine capabilities in autonomy, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems and air traffic management as part of a broader Archer Boeing autonomous aviation strategy.
According to the companies, the combined businesses are expected to strengthen Archer’s ZEE artificial intelligence platform and support the development of an end-to-end physical AI platform for commercial aerospace, defense and air traffic management.
Archer Boeing Autonomous Aviation Deal Expands Technology Portfolio
The transaction brings together technologies developed across Wisk, SkyGrid, Insitu and Archer.
According to the companies, the combined organizations bring nearly two million flight hours of experience and capabilities spanning:
- Autonomous flight
- eVTOL aircraft
- Unmanned aircraft systems
- Air traffic management
- Artificial intelligence
- Commercial aerospace
- Defense applications
Archer said the acquired companies are expected to provide a deeper autonomy foundation for its ZEE artificial intelligence platform.
“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.
Boeing and Archer Establish Technology-Sharing Arrangement
In connection with the transaction, Boeing and Archer are also entering into a collaboration and technology-sharing agreement.
Under the arrangement, Boeing will retain access to Wisk’s core autonomous flight technology for use in its current and next-generation commercial and defense aircraft.
According to the companies, Boeing will also retain strategic exposure through its stake in Archer while focusing 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.”
Wisk Adds Autonomous eVTOL Experience
Wisk has designed, built and flown six generations of eVTOL aircraft and has completed more than 1,700 flight tests.
According to the announcement, Wisk has spent 16 years developing autonomous flight technologies that include:
- A next-generation flight-control computer
- Sensor systems
- Radar technology
- Autonomous flight capabilities designed for civil and potential defense certification
SkyGrid Brings Air Traffic Management Technology
SkyGrid has developed an aircraft-agnostic, ground-based air traffic management system.
According to the companies, the platform is designed to support:
- Safe integration of aircraft
- Automated airspace operations
- Scalable traffic management
- Coordinated aviation operations
The companies said SkyGrid provides a digital foundation intended to support increasing levels of airspace automation.
Insitu Expands Archer’s UAS Capabilities
Insitu designs, develops and manufactures uncrewed aircraft systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Its portfolio includes:
- VTOL-capable unmanned aircraft systems
- Resilient UAS platforms
- AI-enabled software
- ISR systems
According to the announcement, Insitu technologies are used by the armed forces of 35 countries.
The company has manufactured and fielded more than 3,500 unmanned aircraft systems and maintains operations and support networks across multiple regions worldwide.
Transaction Expected to Close by End of 2026
Additional transaction details were filed by Archer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in a Form 8-K.
The transaction remains subject to agreed closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
The companies expect the acquisition to close by the end of 2026.
Moelis & Company is serving as financial advisor to Archer, with Fenwick & West acting as outside counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities is advising Boeing, while Mayer Brown is serving as outside counsel.
The Archer Boeing autonomous aviation transaction would bring Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu into Archer while establishing continued technology collaboration between Archer and Boeing across autonomy, commercial aerospace and defense.
Source: Press release from Archer Aviation and Boeing
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