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Joby Aviation to Acquire Resonant Sciences in $500 Million Defense Deal
Joby Aviation, the electric‑vertical‑take‑off‑and‑landing (eVTOL) pioneer, has announced a move that could reshape both its future and the broader defense landscape.
On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz‑based company disclosed plans to buy Dayton‑based Resonant Sciences for roughly $500 million. The purchase will be funded with about $450 million in cash and $50 million in Joby common stock, and the parties expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2027.
Resonant specializes in designing, building, and delivering advanced radio‑frequency and mission‑systems for U.S. national‑security customers. Its portfolio includes hybrid‑aircraft platforms and autonomous‑flight capabilities that complement Joby’s existing eVTOL technology. The acquisition will give Joby a dedicated defense arm while the commercial eVTOL program remains focused on electric air‑taxi operations.
The deal also brings roughly one million square feet of manufacturing, integration, and testing space in the Dayton region. Following the announcement, Joby shares slipped 6.5 % in pre‑market trading.
Industry observers note that the purchase fits a broader trend of eVTOL firms eyeing defense contracts. Rising U.S. defense spending—spurred by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East—has increased demand for aircraft that can operate from short or vertical take‑off sites and deliver rapid response capabilities.
Joby’s CEO, who has guided the company from a startup to a public company, said the acquisition would accelerate the firm’s ability to supply the U.S. military with hybrid‑propulsion aircraft that can be optionally piloted or flown autonomously. He also highlighted that Resonant’s classified infrastructure and long‑standing customer relationships would be integrated into Joby’s defense organization.
Resonant’s leadership emphasized that its expertise in radar, antenna design, and mission‑systems integration would dovetail with Joby’s eVTOL platform. Together, the companies could pursue joint development of aircraft that satisfy both commercial and defense requirements.
Analysts view the deal as a strategic diversification for Joby. The defense segment is projected to grow as militaries seek modernized fleets that reduce logistical footprints and operational costs through electric and hybrid platforms.
From a technical standpoint, the acquisition will allow Joby to tap Resonant’s experience in autonomous flight control and mission‑planning software—capabilities that could hasten the development of Joby’s planned hybrid aircraft, which combine electric lift with a small internal‑combustion engine for extended range.
Regulatory and compliance hurdles loom large, given Resonant’s work on classified systems. Joby will need to ensure its defense business meets Department of Defense security and procurement standards.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the completion of due diligence. If it closes as scheduled, the new defense business will be fully integrated into Joby’s corporate structure by mid‑2027.
Meanwhile, Joby’s commercial eVTOL program continues to move toward certification and commercial deployment. The company’s electric air‑taxi platform has already secured commitments from several U.S. cities and is preparing for its first commercial operations.
The acquisition marks a pivotal milestone for Joby, positioning it as a dual‑market player in both urban air mobility and defense aviation. Leadership has signaled that the expanded capabilities will support future product launches and broaden its customer base.
As the defense market evolves, Joby’s integration of Resonant’s hybrid and autonomous technologies may influence the design of next‑generation military aircraft. The company’s ability to deliver both electric and hybrid platforms could become a differentiator in a competitive procurement environment.
The deal also underscores the growing intersection between commercial aviation technology and defense applications. By combining electric propulsion expertise with advanced mission‑systems engineering, Joby aims to create aircraft that meet the operational needs of both civilian and military customers.
Completion of the acquisition is likely to invite heightened scrutiny from defense procurement agencies and could set a precedent for other eVTOL manufacturers seeking to enter the defense sector. Joby’s next steps will involve aligning its supply chain, workforce, and compliance frameworks to support the expanded defense portfolio.
In sum, the acquisition of Resonant Sciences positions Joby Aviation to broaden its footprint in the defense market while maintaining its commitment to commercial eVTOL services. The company’s strategic focus on hybrid propulsion and autonomous flight control will be central to its future product roadmap.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, after which Joby will operate a dedicated defense business that leverages Resonant’s expertise in radio‑frequency and mission systems, hybrid aircraft, and autonomous technologies. The combined company will have a substantial manufacturing footprint in Dayton, Ohio, and will continue to pursue both commercial and defense aviation opportunities.
The acquisition is a key development for Joby Aviation, signaling its intent to diversify beyond the commercial air‑taxi market and to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced, hybrid, and autonomous aircraft in the U.S. defense sector.
On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz‑based company disclosed plans to buy Dayton‑based Resonant Sciences for roughly $500 million. The purchase will be funded with about $450 million in cash and $50 million in Joby common stock, and the parties expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2027.
Resonant specializes in designing, building, and delivering advanced radio‑frequency and mission‑systems for U.S. national‑security customers. Its portfolio includes hybrid‑aircraft platforms and autonomous‑flight capabilities that complement Joby’s existing eVTOL technology. The acquisition will give Joby a dedicated defense arm while the commercial eVTOL program remains focused on electric air‑taxi operations.
The deal also brings roughly one million square feet of manufacturing, integration, and testing space in the Dayton region. Following the announcement, Joby shares slipped 6.5 % in pre‑market trading.
Industry observers note that the purchase fits a broader trend of eVTOL firms eyeing defense contracts. Rising U.S. defense spending—spurred by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East—has increased demand for aircraft that can operate from short or vertical take‑off sites and deliver rapid response capabilities.
Joby’s CEO, who has guided the company from a startup to a public company, said the acquisition would accelerate the firm’s ability to supply the U.S. military with hybrid‑propulsion aircraft that can be optionally piloted or flown autonomously. He also highlighted that Resonant’s classified infrastructure and long‑standing customer relationships would be integrated into Joby’s defense organization.
Resonant’s leadership emphasized that its expertise in radar, antenna design, and mission‑systems integration would dovetail with Joby’s eVTOL platform. Together, the companies could pursue joint development of aircraft that satisfy both commercial and defense requirements.
Analysts view the deal as a strategic diversification for Joby. The defense segment is projected to grow as militaries seek modernized fleets that reduce logistical footprints and operational costs through electric and hybrid platforms.
From a technical standpoint, the acquisition will allow Joby to tap Resonant’s experience in autonomous flight control and mission‑planning software—capabilities that could hasten the development of Joby’s planned hybrid aircraft, which combine electric lift with a small internal‑combustion engine for extended range.
Regulatory and compliance hurdles loom large, given Resonant’s work on classified systems. Joby will need to ensure its defense business meets Department of Defense security and procurement standards.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the completion of due diligence. If it closes as scheduled, the new defense business will be fully integrated into Joby’s corporate structure by mid‑2027.
Meanwhile, Joby’s commercial eVTOL program continues to move toward certification and commercial deployment. The company’s electric air‑taxi platform has already secured commitments from several U.S. cities and is preparing for its first commercial operations.
The acquisition marks a pivotal milestone for Joby, positioning it as a dual‑market player in both urban air mobility and defense aviation. Leadership has signaled that the expanded capabilities will support future product launches and broaden its customer base.
As the defense market evolves, Joby’s integration of Resonant’s hybrid and autonomous technologies may influence the design of next‑generation military aircraft. The company’s ability to deliver both electric and hybrid platforms could become a differentiator in a competitive procurement environment.
The deal also underscores the growing intersection between commercial aviation technology and defense applications. By combining electric propulsion expertise with advanced mission‑systems engineering, Joby aims to create aircraft that meet the operational needs of both civilian and military customers.
Completion of the acquisition is likely to invite heightened scrutiny from defense procurement agencies and could set a precedent for other eVTOL manufacturers seeking to enter the defense sector. Joby’s next steps will involve aligning its supply chain, workforce, and compliance frameworks to support the expanded defense portfolio.
In sum, the acquisition of Resonant Sciences positions Joby Aviation to broaden its footprint in the defense market while maintaining its commitment to commercial eVTOL services. The company’s strategic focus on hybrid propulsion and autonomous flight control will be central to its future product roadmap.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, after which Joby will operate a dedicated defense business that leverages Resonant’s expertise in radio‑frequency and mission systems, hybrid aircraft, and autonomous technologies. The combined company will have a substantial manufacturing footprint in Dayton, Ohio, and will continue to pursue both commercial and defense aviation opportunities.
The acquisition is a key development for Joby Aviation, signaling its intent to diversify beyond the commercial air‑taxi market and to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced, hybrid, and autonomous aircraft in the U.S. defense sector.
