The Motley Foolยท2025-08-05 07:07Core Insights - Joby Aviation is advancing towards FAA certifications for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which is a primary focus for investors [1] - Joby has announced a collaboration with L3Harris Technologies to develop hybrid eVTOL aircraft for defense applications, which is expected to enhance investor sentiment [2][4] - The partnership aims to start test flights in the coming months, with demonstrations targeted for government use by 2026 [4] Company Developments - Joby has a history of working with the Department of Defense (DoD), having received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Air Force in 2020, marking a significant milestone for eVTOL companies [6] - The CEO of Joby highlighted the company's readiness to demonstrate and deploy dual-purpose technologies developed in collaboration with the DoD [5] - Archer Aviation is also pursuing defense applications, having secured a contract worth up to $142 million with the U.S. Air Force in 2023 to assess eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes [8] Industry Context - The U.S. defense budget is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2026, indicating substantial opportunities for both Joby and Archer in the defense market [12] - The competition between Joby and Archer in the eVTOL market is intensifying, with both companies committed to expanding their operations beyond civilian air taxi services [10] - Partnerships with major defense contractors like L3Harris and Anduril are not mutually exclusive, suggesting a collaborative growth potential within the industry [11]