Air taxi firm Joby acquires defense tech company for $500 million
Joby Aviation said it will acquire Resonant Sciences for about $500 million to expand in the defense market. Joby plans to fund the deal with about $450 million in cash and $50 million in common stock. Resonant provides RF and mission systems for U.S. national security customers. Deal is expected to close in H1 2027.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
By making Resonant its dedicated defense business, Joby gains RF and mission systems plus hybrid aircraft and autonomy technologies, while keeping commercial operations focused on electric air taxis.
Market read
A $500 million acquisition with a defined funding mix and a 1H 2027 close window is a concrete catalyst for Joby’s valuation and risk outlook.
What to watch
Investors may underweight how the $50 million stock component affects dilution and how much of Resonant’s revenue is tied to specific national security programs that could be re-bid.
Background
Joby is an eVTOL company pursuing both commercial air taxi initiatives and a growing defense market.
Ticker impact
Joby Aviation will buy Resonant Sciences for about $500 million, funding with $450 million cash and $50 million stock, targeting close in 1H 2027.
Near-term upside bias on deal announcement, with volatility around financing details and defense-market execution milestones.
The article discloses deal size, funding mix, and intended role for Resonant’s radio-frequency and mission systems, which can change investor expectations for Joby’s defense revenue trajectory.
Market effects
Highlights eVTOL firms shifting toward defense demand, potentially increasing competitive focus on military-grade autonomy and RF systems.
Creates about 1 million square feet of manufacturing, integration, and testing space across Dayton, Ohio, supporting local industrial capacity.
Reinforces broader defense-spending tailwinds tied to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which can spill over to defense-tech supply chains.
Counterpoint
The $500 million price tag and 1H 2027 close date may amplify execution and integration risk, especially if defense procurement timelines slip.
Key entities
- companyJoby Aviation
Subject of the acquisition, seeking to scale in defense via Resonant Sciences.
- companyResonant Sciences
Defense technology provider of radio-frequency and mission systems for U.S. national security customers.
