Electric taxis go to war

Electric mobility is still in its infancy, but developers are already looking beyond conventional urban mobility. Today, one of the world’s leading aviation companies, San Jose-based Archer Aviation, unveiled a new aircraft. was developed by security technology company Anduril – although the platform is designed for both military and commercial use, the companies said.

The new aircraft looks like a cross between the Archer’s Midnight air taxi and a fixed-wing military aircraft like the V-22 Osprey. Anduril, founded by Palmer Luckey, unveiled a new model, called the Thunder, on Monday at the Farnborough Airshow in Hampshire, England. It is intended to be a stand-alone strike aircraft that flies alongside fighter jets. Archer says he plans to unveil a commercial version later this week.

Thunder differs from Midnight because it is a hybrid powertrain, as opposed to electric. The hybrid system will enable the aircraft to achieve long-range endurance while “maintaining the necessary precision to optimize the full power of the flight,” says Archer. The taxi industry is increasingly turning to hybrid power to expand beyond the use of air taxis and penetrate broader markets. Archer said he envisions the Thunder being used for combat, cargo delivery, long-distance transportation, and other activities in hard-to-reach areas.

Taxi companies are also looking to military partnerships to help offset their heavy losses. Air taxis have yet to get the necessary approvals in many markets that would allow them to start their business and bring in more revenue. Archer lost $217.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, after earning only $1.6 million. Archer has said it plans to launch its air taxi service as soon as 2026, with the first market likely to be Abu Dhabi.

Archer already has it showed his interest in the development of military and defense programs. Last year, the air taxi company said it would license Anduril, adding its electronics and other technology to the Omen drone program for defense forces. Archer has also donated one of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft to the US Air Force as part of its reconnaissance program.