Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer Archer Aviation is establishing a new UK subsidiary and engineering hub located in Southwest England. The move aims to enable the company's entry into the UK’s defence sector by developing advanced aircraft systems tailored for military operations. Notably, Archer has recruited Dr Limhi Somerville, a leading British eVTOL engineer previously with Vertical Aerospace, to lead UK operations.
The company’s UK activities will focus on collaborations with industry partners such as GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries. This includes exploring autonomous platform demonstrations for the British Army’s Nyx project, which is scheduled to commence in early 2026 with flight testing extending into 2028. Archer’s efforts to pivot towards military applications include leveraging its Midnight platform's dual-use potential and developing hybrid propulsion systems.
"The UK has the talent and industrial base to be a major player in driving the next era of advanced aerospace and defence," said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO. "Our investment underscores our commitment to supporting the UK’s defence initiatives and technological innovation."
Archer has already supplied key components, including airframes and electrical wiring, to GKN, and delivered its Midnight aircraft to the US Air Force last year for evaluation of its suitability for medical evacuation, cargo, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The company's focus on military markets reflects its strategy to expand beyond urban air mobility and capitalize on the dual-use capabilities of its aircraft.
