Archer Aviation Acquires Boeing's Wisk, Insitu, and SkyGrid to Expand Aerospace AI Platform
Archer Aviation is set to acquire Boeing’s Wisk Aero, Insitu and SkyGrid subsidiaries. The deal aims to create an end-to-end physical AI platform for aerospace and defense. Boeing will also invest in Archer and form a strategic partnership. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The companies announced definitive agreements on August 10, 2026. Archer will take ownership of the three Boeing units. Together, they combine decades of work in autonomy, electric vertical takeoff and landing ( eVTOL ) aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This move adds a profitable defense business to Archer’s portfolio. Insitu alone generates more than $200 million in annual revenue and operates across 35 countries. The combined entities bring nearly two million flight hours of experience. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Combining Autonomy Expertise with Archer’s AI Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu have developed core autonomous flight technologies. These will integrate with Archer’s purpose-built AI foundation model, called ZEE. The result positions Archer to deliver solutions across commercial aerospace, defense and air traffic management. Wisk stands out as the only company to design, build and fly six generations of eVTOL aircraft. It has completed more than 1,700 flight tests over 16 years. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Its team built advanced autonomy tools, including a next-generation flight-control computer, sensor suite and radar system. These support certification for both civil and potential defense uses. SkyGrid offers a ground-based, aircraft-agnostic air traffic management system. It creates a digital foundation for automated airspace. This enables safe integration, scalable automation and coordinated traffic management needed for wider aviation commercialization. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Insitu pioneers uncrewed aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Its portfolio includes high-performance, cost-effective, resilient and VTOL-capable UAS plus AI-enabled software. Insitu has manufactured and fielded more than 3,500 UAS. Its technology supports the armed forces of 35 nations. The company maintains offices in the US, Australia, the UK and the UAE, with support networks worldwide. Leadership Views on the Partnership Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein called the deal a watershed moment. “This is the next big step forward in becoming a diversified platform, rapidly growing our revenue base and bringing scale to our business,” he said. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Boeing Vice President Brian Yutko, of Commercial Airplanes Product Development , described it as a win-win. “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,” Yutko noted. He added that the transaction creates an industry leader in advanced aviation. Boeing looks forward to ongoing collaboration on innovation in aerospace, defense and autonomy. As part of the agreement, Boeing and Archer will share technology. Boeing keeps access to Wisk’s core autonomous flight technology for its current and next-generation commercial and defense aircraft. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); The stake in Archer also lets Boeing retain strategic upside while focusing investments on its core businesses. Photo Credit: Archer Aviation Transaction Timeline The deal remains subject to closing conditions. These include expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. It is expected to close by the end of 2026. Additional details appear in Archer’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moelis & Company LLC serves as financial advisor to Archer, with Fenwick & West LLP as outside counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC advises Boeing, and Mayer Brown LLP acts as its outside counsel. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); This combination equips Archer to lead the next generation of aviation. It unites proven autonomy systems, airspace intelligence and a strong defense revenue base with its own AI and aircraft technologies. Archer aims to deliver innovative solutions across multiple markets. Boeing gains a focused path to advance its core work while sharing in the growth of physical AI applications.