Archer Aviation to Acquire Boeing Subsidiaries Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid

- by Richard Pettibone
Archer’s Midnight eVTOL. Image – Archer Aviation

Archer Aviation and Boeing have reached a definitive agreement for Archer to acquire three of Boeing’s subsidiaries: Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu. The deal transfers key autonomous flight, air traffic management, and uncrewed aircraft operations to Archer while granting Boeing an equity stake in the urban air mobility developer.

Under the terms of the transaction, Boeing will receive newly issued Archer Class A shares and warrants, ultimately positioning the aerospace giant to hold a stake of nearly 20 percent in Archer. In addition, Boeing has agreed to invest up to $55 million in an upcoming Archer funding round and will retain rights via cross-licensing to access Wisk’s core autonomous flight systems for its own commercial and defense platforms.

The acquisition brings three specialized defense and autonomous tech units under Archer’s management:

Wisk Aero brings six generations of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designs and more than 1,700 completed test flights. Its autonomous flight-control technology, sensor suites, and radar architecture are targeted for dual civil and defense certifications.

SkyGrid provides ground-based air traffic management systems designed to integrate automated traffic and scale routing software across civil airspace.

Insitu operates as an established defense contractor specializing in uncrewed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft. Having produced more than 3,500 uncrewed aerial systems operating in 35 countries, Insitu adds a profitable defense unit generating over $200 million in annual revenue to Archer’s balance sheet.

Archer plans to integrate the software architectures and flight histories of the three companies into its proprietary artificial intelligence foundation platform, ZEE. Combined, the acquired units account for nearly two million total flight hours.

As part of the broader strategic agreement, Boeing will retain access to core autonomy technologies for application in its main product lines, while Archer assumes operational control over the development of autonomous air taxis and tactical platforms. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

This acquisition marks a structural shift in advanced air mobility and defense aviation. By selling Wisk, SkyGrid, and Insitu, Boeing pivots away from direct, capital-intensive ownership of early-stage eVTOL and tactical drone operations, allowing the manufacturer to focus capital on its core commercial and defense manufacturing while preserving long-term technological access through cross-licensing.

For Archer, the transaction expands its business model overnight. Beyond developing commercial electric air taxis, Archer instantly gains a recurring defense business with established military supply lines across 35 nations. Absorbing Wisk’s autonomous technology and Insitu’s operational infrastructure positions Archer as a consolidated defense and autonomy provider, accelerating the commercialization of self-flying aerial systems across both civilian airspaces and military defense domains.

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A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.

For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.

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About Richard Pettibone

A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems. For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.

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