Joby Aviation and L3Harris Develop Hybrid VTOL Aircraft for Defense

Joby Aviation and L3Harris Technologies Partner to Develop Hybrid VTOL Aircraft for Defense

On August 1, 2025, Joby Aviation, Inc. and L3Harris Technologies announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing a new class of hybrid vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft tailored for defense applications. This collaboration marks a significant shift in the trajectory of the eVTOL industry, transitioning from commercial urban air mobility solutions to dual-use platforms capable of meeting military operational requirements.

The envisioned aircraft will be powered by a gas turbine hybrid propulsion system and is designed for low-altitude missions. It will also feature optionally piloted functionality, allowing for both crewed and fully autonomous operations. This design caters to modern defense needs that demand flexibility, extended range, and adaptability in complex operational environments.

Combining Joby’s deep experience in eVTOL development with L3Harris’s extensive defense missionization capabilities, the partnership aims to create a platform that can be rapidly deployed and integrated into military operations. Flight testing is scheduled to begin in fall 2025, with operational demonstrations planned for 2026 during government exercises.

Strategic Objectives and Technological Integration

Leveraging Complementary Strengths

Joby brings to the table a decade of experience in developing electric aircraft, including the S4 model, which features a distributed electric propulsion system and vertical take-off capabilities. The company has also made significant strides in autonomy, especially following its acquisition of Xwing’s autonomy division in June 2024.

L3Harris, on the other hand, contributes its missionization expertise, integrating advanced sensors, communication systems, and collaborative autonomy into aircraft. This makes it a valuable partner in transforming Joby’s commercial platform into a defense-ready system capable of complex ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and electronic warfare missions.

The hybrid VTOL aircraft will benefit from both companies’ core competencies. Joby’s vertical integration of manufacturing and propulsion technology will be complemented by L3Harris’s experience in defense-grade systems integration and certification processes.

“The next-generation of vertical lift technology enables long-range, crewed-uncrewed teaming for a range of missions.”, Jon Rambeau, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris

Autonomy and Hybrid Propulsion

Joby’s autonomy capabilities were significantly enhanced with the acquisition of Xwing’s technology, which had already demonstrated over 250 fully autonomous flights. These systems enable gate-to-gate autonomy, a crucial feature for defense missions where human pilots may not be feasible or safe.

The hybrid propulsion system under development combines a gas turbine engine with electric motors. This approach extends the aircraft’s range and operational flexibility beyond the limitations of battery-powered systems, which is critical for military missions that may require long-endurance flights.

In June 2024, Joby demonstrated a 561-mile hydrogen-electric hybrid flight, showcasing the feasibility of long-range, low-emission operations. While the defense platform will use a gas turbine hybrid system, the technological underpinnings and lessons learned from the hydrogen-electric program will inform its development.

Operational Flexibility and Mission Profiles

The hybrid VTOL is being designed for low-altitude missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Its vertical take-off and landing capability allows it to operate in austere environments without the need for runways, a key advantage in modern combat scenarios.

Optionally piloted functionality means the aircraft can switch between autonomous and crewed modes depending on mission requirements. This flexibility is particularly valuable in contested airspaces or when communications are compromised.

With L3Harris’s ability to integrate mission-specific payloads, the platform can be tailored for various defense missions, including counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) operations, which are becoming increasingly critical in modern warfare.

Market Implications and Strategic Positioning

Dual-Use Market Strategy

This partnership reflects a broader trend in the eVTOL industry toward dual-use platforms that can serve both commercial and defense markets. Joby’s existing commercial infrastructure, including manufacturing facilities in California and Ohio, provides the scalability needed for defense production.

Defense contracts offer more predictable revenue streams and often accept higher upfront costs in exchange for mission-critical capabilities. For Joby, entering the defense market diversifies its revenue base and leverages its existing technology for a new set of customers.

L3Harris, with $17 billion in annual revenue and deep ties to U.S. defense agencies, provides the market access and program management experience necessary to navigate government procurement processes and certification pathways.

Regulatory and Certification Considerations

Joby’s ongoing work with the FAA on certifying its S4 aircraft for commercial use has laid a strong foundation for navigating military certification processes. The defense variant will need to meet additional requirements for survivability, reliability, and mission readiness.

The U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program has already provided a framework for eVTOL companies to demonstrate their capabilities in a defense context. Joby’s participation in this program, along with its autonomous flight demonstrations during Agile Flag exercises, positions it well for future military certification.

International opportunities may also arise, as allied nations look to modernize their vertical lift capabilities. The hybrid VTOL’s adaptability makes it a potential candidate for export, subject to regulatory approvals.

Competitive Landscape

In the commercial eVTOL space, Joby competes with companies like Archer Aviation, Lilium, and EHang. However, few of these competitors have made significant inroads into the defense sector. This partnership with L3Harris gives Joby a first-mover advantage in a potentially lucrative market segment.

On the defense side, traditional aerospace giants such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin dominate. By aligning with L3Harris, Joby gains a foothold in this competitive landscape without needing to build defense relationships from scratch.

The partnership model, pairing a tech innovator with a defense integrator, may become a template for future collaborations in the aerospace sector, especially as the lines between commercial and military technologies continue to blur.

Conclusion

The Joby-L3Harris partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of eVTOL technology from urban mobility to defense applications. By combining Joby’s innovation in propulsion and autonomy with L3Harris’s defense systems expertise, the collaboration aims to deliver a versatile, mission-ready platform that meets modern military needs.

With flight testing scheduled for late 2025 and operational demonstrations planned for 2026, the project is moving at an accelerated pace. If successful, it could set a new standard for how commercial aviation technologies are adapted for defense, offering a blueprint for future industry collaborations.

FAQ

What is the main goal of the Joby-L3Harris partnership?
To develop a gas turbine hybrid VTOL aircraft for defense applications, capable of both crewed and autonomous operations.

When will flight testing begin?
Flight testing is scheduled to start in fall 2025, with operational demonstrations planned for 2026.

What makes this VTOL aircraft different from Joby’s commercial models?
It features a gas turbine hybrid propulsion system and mission-specific payloads tailored for military use, unlike Joby’s all-electric commercial S4 model.

Sources

• Joby Aviation
• L3Harris Technologies
• Defense News
• FlightGlobal