Joby Aviation and L3Harris Technologies have announced a collaboration to develop a new class of hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for defence applications. The aircraft will feature a gas turbine hybrid power system, enabling operations at low altitude while offering the flexibility to be piloted or operate fully autonomously, depending on mission needs.
This partnership brings together Joby’s expertise in commercial aircraft development and advanced manufacturing with L3Harris’ experience in missionisation, including sensors, communications, effectors and autonomous systems. The goal is to accelerate the development of a next-generation aircraft capable of long-range, multi-role operations for military users.
Flight testing is expected to commence in autumn 2025, with operational demonstrations planned during government exercises in 2026. The collaboration builds on Joby’s decade-long engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense and its advancements in hybrid propulsion technologies. In 2024, Joby achieved an industry milestone by completing a 561-mile hydrogen-electric hybrid flight, showcasing the potential for extended mission range and sustainability.
The project will also leverage Joby’s enhanced autonomous flight capabilities, gained through the acquisition of Xwing’s autonomy division in 2024, allowing for crewed-uncrewed teaming and flexible deployment options. These capabilities are expected to offer significant advantages for defence operations requiring rapid response and adaptability.
By integrating mission-ready technologies with hybrid propulsion and autonomous systems, Joby and L3Harris aim to deliver a versatile, efficient aircraft that addresses evolving defence requirements while reducing environmental impact. The partnership underscores a broader industry trend towards merging commercial innovation with military applications to meet urgent operational needs.
