L3Harris and Joby Aviation Collaborate on Defense-Ready VTOL Aircraft.

Joby Aviation and L3Harris Technologies have collaborated to develop a hybrid VTOL aircraft for defense applications. The aircraft will cater to low-altitude missions and be optionally piloted for crewed and autonomous operations. Initial flight testing is set for fall 2025, with operational demonstrations in 2026. The partnership aims to leverage Joby's commercial aircraft development and L3Harris' missionization capabilities.

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) have announced a strategic collaboration to develop a new class of hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for defense applications. The aircraft, designed for low-altitude missions, will offer both crewed and fully autonomous operational capabilities. Initial flight testing is expected to commence this fall, with operational demonstrations planned for 2026 [1].

The partnership leverages Joby’s existing commercial aircraft development program and manufacturing capabilities, combined with L3Harris’ expertise in platform missionization, including sensors, effectors, communication, and collaborative autonomy. The gas turbine hybrid VTOL aircraft is based on Joby’s S4 platform and is designed to meet the urgent needs of defense missions [2].

“We have worked closely with the Department of Defense over the past decade to give them a front-row seat to the development of our dual-purpose technology, and we’re now ready to demonstrate and deploy it,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Our country depends on companies like ours moving at pace, and we have the team, the technology, and the platform to do just that” [1].

L3Harris Technologies, known as the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry, will contribute its proven expertise in missionizing aircraft for defense applications. Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris, stated, “The next generation of vertical-lift technology enables long-range, crewed-uncrewed teaming for a range of missions” [1].

Joby Aviation has been actively developing a gas turbine hybrid powertrain for its current S4 aircraft platform. The company previously demonstrated aircraft-level autonomy following its acquisition of the autonomy division of Xwing in June 2024. Joby has also demonstrated a hybrid platform capable of long ranges, including an industry-first, 561-mile hybrid flight in June 2024 [1].

The collaboration between Joby and L3Harris marks a significant step in the development of advanced VTOL aircraft for defense applications. The companies aim to deliver urgently-required innovation by missionizing VTOL aircraft for various missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and contested logistics [3].

References:
[1] https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2025/08/joby-collaborates-l3harris-pursue-defense-applications-autonomous
[2] https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/joby-and-l3harris-partner-to-develop-new-hybrid-electric-vtol/164037.article
[3] https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/08/01/joby-l3harris-developing-autonomous-aircraft-for-defense-missions/