Joby Aviation to buy Resonant Sciences for $500 million to boost defense portfolio

Joby Aviation disclosed a $500 million agreement to acquire Resonant Sciences, a Dayton, Ohio firm that builds sensors, antennas and low-observability technology for complex flight environments. The purchase will be financed with $450 million in cash and $50 million in equity, with completion expected in early 2027. Post-closing, Resonant will become Joby’s dedicated defense division, while the company’s air-taxi business remains focused on commercial launches anticipated later this year.

The acquisition allows Joby to combine its propulsion and autonomy expertise with Resonant’s radio-frequency and mission-system capabilities, targeting stealth aircraft development. This strategy follows Joby’s longstanding ties to the Department of Defense, including past testing at Edwards Air Force Base, and mirrors industry peers turning to military contracts amid delayed commercial approvals and ongoing quarterly losses.