The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector, long heralded as the future of urban transportation, finds itself at an inflection point in mid-2025. Headlines today (August 12, 2025) point out that Archer Aviation’s stock fell based on quarterly numbers – but many articles also pointed out that on the whole, Wall Street doesn’t find the numbers concerning. Why the dichotomy?
The answer may be partly due to recent military focus on eVTOL solutions. While commercial ambitions—such as city air taxis—dominate headlines, persistent hurdles stand in the way: unreliable regulatory timelines, certification bottlenecks, complex infrastructure requirements, and uncertain market adoption. Recently, however, a series of high-profile partnerships indicate that military contracts and defense collaborations could provide critical momentum for the industry, moving the sector forward even as commercial paths remain uncertain.
The Promise, and the Problem, of Commercial eVTOL
Major airlines continue to back eVTOL startups, eager to realize the vision of sustainable, point-to-point urban mobility. Investments by carriers like United, Delta, and JetBlue signify ongoing confidence in advanced air mobility’s potential to modernize passenger transport and reduce carbon footprints. Yet the journey from prototype to routine service is beset by difficulties:
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Certification: Companies must navigate four distinct FAA certification regimes, a process that has proven unpredictable for even the most mature platforms.
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Infrastructure: Urban vertiports, charging networks, and operational integration pose multi-year logistical challenges, with few cities ready for scaled deployment.
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Regulatory Clarity: Federal and local aviation bodies still lack harmonized guidance on eVTOL standards, airspace integration, and pilot training.
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Utilization Constraints: Early demand is uncertain, with most commercial models reliant on densely populated cities and predictable ridership, both still unproven.
While airline investments provide much-needed validation and runway for companies, genuine commercial operations may be years away for most players.
Military Markets: A Different Path to Deployment
Military applications are rapidly emerging as a pragmatic, near-term route to revenue, scalability, and technical maturity for eVTOL companies. The military’s appetite for eVTOL solutions, ranging from logistics and personnel transport to intelligence and disaster relief, aligns closely with the capabilities these aircraft can offer. Unlike commercial services, military buyers operate in less regulated environments, require rapid-deployment platforms, and possess resources for robust prototyping and field testing.
Archer Aviation: Pioneer of Dual-Use Expansion
Archer Aviation’s shift from a commercial urban air mobility player to a defense-centric manufacturer marks one example of industry adaptation. In late 2024, Archer delivered its Midnight eVTOL to the U.S. Air Force, a milestone that led to a $142M Agility Prime contract for six aircraft. The company then partnered strategically with Anduril Industries, blending eVTOL technology with next-generation defense systems.
Archer’s rapid military expansion has been further bolstered by new capital infusions, including a $300M funding round in early 2025 earmarked for its military division and a $400M manufacturing partnership with Stellantis to scale both civilian and defense production. By mid-2025, Archer had achieved three of four necessary FAA certifications: advancing dual-use compliance more swiftly than most commercial-focused competitors.
Eve Air Mobility: Building Defense Partnerships
Eve, propelled by Embraer’s aeronautical legacy, is actively working alongside BAE Systems to design military eVTOL variants. In June 2025, Eve entered a Letter of Intent to explore up to 150 defense-adapted aircraft capable of missions ranging from troop transport and surveillance to humanitarian aid. Although these discussions are preliminary, they highlight the appetite for military innovation and the trust placed in Eve’s platform for defense adaptation.
Joby Aviation: Expanding Military Horizons
Joby Aviation has long cultivated deep ties with the U.S. Department of Defense, gaining traction through multiple AFWERX Agility Prime contracts and prototype deliveries. Its newest collaboration, announced August 2025 with L3Harris Technologies, positions Joby at the forefront of military eVTOL innovation. The partnership targets a hybrid VTOL, designed for contested logistics and ISR missions, offering flexible payloads (1,000–2,000lbs) and autonomous operation capabilities. With flight tests scheduled for fall 2025 and demonstrations planned for 2026, Joby is leveraging DoD resources to accelerate technical breakthroughs in crewed-uncrewed teaming and operational resilience.
Why Defense Matters—Right Now
The implications for the eVTOL sector are significant:
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Accelerated Funding: Military contracts offer non-dilutive investment streams at a scale and speed rivaling venture capital. Archer’s and Joby’s recent multi-million-dollar deals provide both operational runway and investor credibility.
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Real-World Testing: Defense partners provide large, challenging operational theaters for aircraft development—testing endurance, logistics, and advanced autonomy under demanding, real-world conditions far beyond urban testbeds.
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Market Confidence: Success in military deployment can validate platform durability, broaden market applications (including disaster relief and medevac), and de-risk commercial investment.
Outlook: Dual-Use Provides a Way Forward
For companies like Archer, Eve, and Joby, military collaborations are transforming the market narrative and providing critical pathways forward.
Yet, for enduring success, eVTOLs must remain adaptable—leveraging military opportunities without losing sight of the long road to commercial viability. Airline investments and regulatory coordination will shape the final chapter, but for now, defense may prove the key to unlocking the sector’s promise.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
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