Archer Aviation has signed definitive agreements to acquire Boeing subsidiaries Wisk Aero, SkyGrid and Insitu, creating what the companies describe as an end-to-end physical AI platform spanning commercial aerospace, defense and air traffic management.
As part of the transaction, Boeing will take an equity stake in Archer and enter into an ongoing collaboration and technology-sharing arrangement with the company. Financial terms of the acquisitions and Boeing’s investment were not disclosed in the announcement.
The deal adds Insitu, a profitable defense business generating more than $200 million in annual revenue and operating across 35 countries, to Archer’s portfolio.
Archer plans to combine the autonomy and airspace intelligence technologies developed by Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu with ZEE, its purpose-built AI foundation model for aerospace and defense.
The acquired businesses have accumulated nearly two million combined flight hours, providing Archer with a substantial base of autonomous aviation data and operating experience.
Archer said the transaction supports its evolution into a more diversified aerospace and defense platform while expanding its revenue base.
Wisk brings autonomous eVTOL technology developed over 16 years. The company has designed, built and flown six generations of eVTOL aircraft and completed more than 1,700 flight tests. Its autonomy platform incorporates a next-generation flight-control computer, sensor suite and radar system designed for certification across civil and potential defense applications.
SkyGrid has developed an aircraft-agnostic air traffic management platform intended to provide a digital foundation for increasingly automated airspace. Its software is designed to support safe integration, scalable automation and coordinated traffic management across aviation systems.
Insitu designs, develops and manufactures uncrewed aircraft systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Its portfolio includes VTOL-capable UAS and AI-enabled software. Insitu has manufactured and deployed more than 3,500 unmanned aircraft systems, and its technologies have been used by the armed forces of 35 countries. The company has offices in the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and the UAE and maintains operating and support networks globally.
Under the collaboration agreement, Boeing will retain access to Wisk’s core autonomous flight technology for use across its current and next-generation commercial and defense aircraft.
Boeing said the structure enables it to retain strategic exposure to the acquired technologies through its ownership stake in Archer while concentrating future investment on its core businesses.
For Archer, integrating Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu is intended to connect aircraft, autonomous flight systems, AI and airspace management within a single platform.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Moelis & Company is serving as financial advisor to Archer, while Fenwick & West is serving as outside counsel.
J.P. Morgan Securities is serving as financial advisor to Boeing, and Mayer Brown is acting as outside legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation
“This transaction is a win-win for Boeing and Archer. 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.”
Brian Yutko, Vice President of Commercial Airplanes Product Development at Boeing
