Archer Expands Into Powertrain Supply with Landmark Agreement to Support Anduril and EDGE Group’s Omen Autonomous Air Vehicle
Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), a leading developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced a transformative new agreement that will see the company supply its proprietary electric powertrain technology to Anduril Industries and the UAE-based EDGE Group. This partnership underscores a major strategic expansion of Archer’s business model and marks the first time the company will offer its powertrain system—originally developed for its flagship Midnight aircraft—to a third party. The decision opens the door to a new, high-value revenue stream and extends the reach of Archer’s technology into next-generation defense and autonomous systems.
The initial application of this technology will support the development and scaled production of Anduril’s recently unveiled Omen Autonomous Air Vehicle (AAV). The UAE government, through EDGE Group, has already committed to an initial acquisition of 50 Omen systems, providing a strong and immediate demand signal for both the aircraft platform and Archer’s advanced powertrain components. This early purchase commitment gives Archer a feasible path toward high-volume production and international deployment of its electric propulsion technologies.
Expanding Beyond eVTOL Aircraft Into Dual-Use Powertrain Technology
Since its inception, Archer has invested aggressively in the design and engineering of an efficient, highly reliable, and aviation-grade electric powertrain that powers the Midnight air taxi. The company’s technology stack includes high-performance electric motors, advanced battery systems, proprietary cooling and energy management solutions, and integrated control electronics. Collectively, these components enable Midnight to achieve rapid turnaround times, quiet operations, and commercially viable flight performance.
By supplying this technology to external partners for the first time, Archer transitions from being solely an eVTOL aircraft producer to becoming a broader aerospace technology provider. The company’s electric powertrain is especially attractive for defense and dual-use applications, where operational efficiency, reliability, low acoustic signatures, and rapid deployment are critical.
Archer’s new partnership with Anduril therefore signals a deliberate expansion into the defense aerospace market—a sector characterized by long-term procurement cycles, recurring revenue opportunities, and consistent demand for high-end propulsion technology.
Leadership Perspectives: A Strategic Turning Point for Archer
Archer: Midnight as a Platform for Future Technologies
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, emphasized that the Midnight eVTOL was always envisioned as more than just an aircraft. He described Midnight as a “platform” designed to host a wide range of advanced aerospace technologies, many of which can be applied far beyond Archer’s own vehicle lineup.
“While most see our Midnight eVTOL as an aircraft, we view Midnight as a platform that plays host to a wide range of new and exciting aerospace technologies,” Goldstein said. “Our powertrain deal with Anduril is the first of what we expect to be many examples of this.”
Goldstein highlighted that the collaboration with Anduril grew organically from nearly a year of close cooperation on a hybrid-electric aircraft project. That project enabled both companies to familiarize themselves with each other’s engineering strengths, ultimately revealing new opportunities for joint innovation extending well beyond their initial collaboration.
“We could not be more excited to expand the scope of our partnership as we open up a new revenue stream for Archer’s business,” Goldstein added, underscoring the substantial long-term potential of becoming a powertrain supplier to the global aerospace market.
Anduril: Advancing Propulsion for Autonomous Platforms
Shane Arnott, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Anduril, described the significance of Archer’s contribution to the Omen program. Anduril has been developing Omen for more than five years, focusing on creating an autonomous aircraft system capable of supporting a diverse range of dual-use missions, from surveillance and military operations to public safety and civilian applications.
By incorporating Archer’s mature, flight-proven electric powertrain into Omen, Anduril has been able to accelerate propulsion system development, reduce technical risk, and enhance the aircraft’s performance envelope.
“By combining the Archer team’s expertise in powertrain technology with a little bit of Anduril magic, we’ve been able to mature our propulsion solution to achieve the ranges, speeds, and payload capacity we need,” Arnott said.
He added that leveraging a proven powertrain platform is a major advantage as Anduril prepares to scale production and meet customer demand, particularly in the UAE where the first 50 systems have already been ordered.
A New Revenue Stream and a New Strategic Identity
The agreement with Anduril and EDGE Group represents a strategic evolution for Archer. Until now, the company’s commercial roadmap has centered around the certification, production, and operation of the Midnight eVTOL aircraft, with a business model primarily focused on urban air mobility services.
By entering the powertrain supply chain, Archer positions itself as a broader aerospace technology provider with a multi-channel revenue model that includes:
- Electric powertrain components for defense applications
- Battery and propulsion systems for third-party aircraft
- Midnight eVTOL aircraft sales and operational partnerships
- Technology licensing opportunities for hybrid or all-electric aviation platforms
This diversification not only strengthens Archer’s financial fundamentals but also increases the company’s relevance in high-growth sectors such as defense technologies, autonomous systems, and electric propulsion.
Growing International Momentum for Archer’s Midnight eVTOL
In addition to its new defense-sector entry, Archer is also accelerating its international commercial footprint for the Midnight aircraft. Recent announcements include:
Exclusive Agreement with Korean Air
Archer signed a major partnership with Korean Air to introduce advanced air mobility (AAM) services across Korea. The collaboration will explore multiple use cases, from airport shuttles to regional air taxi routes, positioning Korea as one of the earliest adopters of eVTOL technology in Asia.
AAM Deployments in Osaka and Tokyo
Both Osaka and Tokyo have selected Archer and its local partners to lead the development of AAM services in their metropolitan areas. These cities are actively preparing vertiport networks and policy frameworks to support eVTOL operations ahead of large-scale international events and rising commuter demand.
These global partnerships underscore the expanding confidence governments and aviation authorities have placed in Archer’s technology ecosystem.
Midnight: The Aircraft Behind Archer’s Powertrain Breakthrough
Archer’s Midnight aircraft remains central to the company’s technological identity. Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft engineered for high-throughput operations and rapid recharging. Designed to complete frequent back-to-back trips with minimal downtime, the aircraft makes electric air taxi service commercially feasible for urban markets.
Key characteristics of Midnight include:
- Capacity: 1 pilot + 4 passengers
- Flight Time: Designed for short-range urban routes
- Turnaround: Minimal charging time between missions
- Environmental Impact: Zero in-flight emissions
- Noise Profile: Significantly quieter than traditional helicopters
- Use Case: Replace 60–90 minute car trips with 10–20 minute electric flights
The same cutting-edge propulsion technology that powers Midnight will now help drive Anduril’s Omen platform, illustrating the versatility and maturity of Archer’s engineering.
agreement with Anduril and EDGE Group marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of electric aviation. By leveraging its proprietary powertrain technology to support a major autonomous defense platform, Archer demonstrates the dual-use potential of its eVTOL innovations and opens the door to new markets that extend far beyond urban air mobility.
As countries increasingly seek sustainable, efficient, and low-acoustic propulsion systems for a wide range of missions, Archer’s transition into a powertrain supplier could become one of the most consequential strategic shifts in the company’s history.
The immediate demand created by the UAE’s purchase commitment provides a strong foundation for scaling production. Combined with growing list of international partnerships, this new direction positions the company as a leading force—not only in commercial air taxis but in the broader evolution of next-generation electric aerospace technology.
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