Joby Aviation to acquire defense firm Resonant Sciences for $500 million
Electric aircraft maker Joby Aviation is acquiring Ohio-based defense company Resonant Sciences for $500 million, deepening its push into military technology as the air taxi industry seeks new revenue amid regulatory delays.
Joby Aviation, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, has announced a deal to acquire Resonant Sciences, a defense technology firm based in Dayton, Ohio, for $500 million. The acquisition is set to be financed with $450 million in cash and $50 million in equity, with closing expected in early 2027.
Once the deal closes, Resonant will operate as Joby's dedicated defense division, while the company's commercial arm continues focusing on its air taxi service, which is expected to begin launching later this year.
What Resonant Sciences brings
Founded in 2015 and employing roughly 250 people, Resonant Sciences builds systems that help aircraft navigate, communicate and function in demanding settings, including combat zones. Its offerings include sensors, antennas and signal-processing tools that support secure communications and interference protection, plus technology that reduces aircraft detectability. The company's products are already used across more than 20 commercial and military aircraft platforms, and many staff hold military security clearances given the classified nature of the work.
Joby said the acquisition will let it merge its propulsion and autonomy systems with Resonant's radio-frequency, sensing and mission-systems expertise, with plans to design and build stealth aircraft using the combined technology.
Military ties and financial pressure
Joby's relationship with the military dates back to 2016, when it took part in a Department of Defense innovation program. In 2020, it became the first eVTOL company to receive airworthiness approval from the US Air Force for government testing, and in 2023 it delivered its first aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base.
Defense contracts are becoming increasingly vital for eVTOL developers as air taxi services continue to await regulatory clearance in most markets. Joby reported a net loss of $245.4 million last quarter on $38.6 million in revenue. Rivals are moving similarly: Archer Aviation recently unveiled an aircraft co-developed with Anduril, while Boeing said it is selling three of its eVTOL subsidiaries to Archer.
