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Archer Aviation Acquires Boeing's Wisk, Insitu, and SkyGrid to Expand Aerospace AI Platform
Archer Aviation is set to integrate Boeing's Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid subsidiaries, combining decades of autonomous flight technology and profitable defense operations under one platform.
The gist
Archer Aviation acquires Boeing’s key autonomy and drone units to accelerate advanced aerospace AI across commercial and defense sectors.
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Archer Aviation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire three of Boeing’s subsidiaries: Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid. This strategic move aims to create a comprehensive physical artificial intelligence (AI) platform that spans aerospace and defense applications. The transaction brings together decades of pioneering work in autonomous flight, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Boeing will also invest in Archer and establish a strategic partnership, deepening their collaborative ties in advanced aviation technologies.
The three Boeing units contribute significant operational and technological assets to Archer. Insitu, a leader in uncrewed aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, generates over $200 million in annual revenue and serves clients across 35 countries. Its portfolio includes high-performance UAS featuring vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, supported by AI-based software. Insitu has developed and deployed more than 3,500 unmanned systems, maintaining offices and support networks in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
Wisk Aero stands out as the only company to have designed, built, and successfully flown six generations of eVTOL aircraft, completing upwards of 1,700 flight tests during its 16 years of operation. It has developed critical autonomy technologies including a next-generation flight-control computer, sophisticated sensor suites, and radar systems designed to meet certification standards for civil and potential military applications. SkyGrid complements these capabilities by providing a ground-based, aircraft-agnostic air traffic management system that establishes a digital framework for automated airspace integration. This system supports the scalable automation and coordinated traffic management essential for broader commercialization of advanced air mobility.
Archer’s own AI foundation, known as ZEE, will integrate the autonomy technologies from Wisk, SkyGrid, and Insitu. This fusion of expertise positions Archer to deliver advanced solutions across commercial aerospace, defense, and air traffic management domains. The combination effectively brings together nearly two million flight hours of autonomous operation experience, accelerating innovation with a solid base of proven technologies and operational data.
Leadership at both companies has emphasized the strategic benefits of the deal. Archer CEO Adam Goldstein described the acquisition as a pivotal step toward becoming a diversified platform and scaling revenue streams rapidly. Meanwhile, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Airplanes Product Development, Brian Yutko, highlighted that the transaction allows the acquired units to accelerate capability development and time to market, while Boeing remains focused on its core business and retains access to the technologies for its current and upcoming commercial and defense platforms.
The agreement includes Boeing taking a stake in Archer, maintaining a strategic position in the company’s growth trajectory. Shared technology between Boeing and Archer will enable ongoing collaboration in aerospace innovation, particularly in autonomy and defense solutions. Boeing’s participation also ensures that its investments in these cutting-edge technologies continue to yield benefits, while Archer assumes operational leadership of the businesses.
This combination extends Archer’s portfolio beyond its existing eVTOL aircraft programs to include profitable defense business segments, significantly increasing revenue diversification. It also marks a convergence of physical AI applications, encompassing autonomous vehicles, drone operations, and air traffic management under one coordinated platform. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.
Financial advisory roles were fulfilled by Moelis & Company LLC for Archer and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC for Boeing, with respective legal counsels Fenwick & West LLP and Mayer Brown LLP involved. Detailed disclosures were included in Archer’s SEC Form 8-K, providing transparency around the terms and implications of the deal.
The acquisition signals a growing trend in the aerospace industry toward integrating autonomy, AI, and unmanned systems expertise into unified platforms. By assimilating these proven technologies and established defense operations, Archer is positioned to capitalize on both commercial air mobility markets and expanding defense sector opportunities within the evolving aviation ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
- What companies is Archer Aviation acquiring from Boeing?
- Archer Aviation is acquiring Boeing’s Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid subsidiaries, which specialize in autonomous flight, eVTOL aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems.
- How does the acquisition affect Boeing’s involvement with Wisk, Insitu, and SkyGrid technologies?
- Boeing retains access to core autonomous flight technologies for its commercial and defense aircraft and will invest in Archer to maintain strategic collaboration while focusing on its core business.
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