Joby Aviation plans to acquire Resonant, a defense technology company specializing in radio-frequency (RF) systems, aircraft modification, payload integration, and advanced manufacturing, as part of an effort to scale its defense business and support next-generation military aircraft programs.
Resonant has established relationships with the U.S. Government and major defense contractors, supporting classified national security programs and active defense programs of record. More than 90% of its employees hold security clearances, while its facilities maintain the certifications required to work on sensitive defense projects.
The company provides more than RF hardware, offering end-to-end payload integration and aircraft modification capabilities. Its electronics, apertures, and radomes have been qualified across more than 20 commercial and defense aircraft platforms.
Advanced Composites and Manufacturing Capacity
Resonant currently operates approximately 105,000 square feet of engineering, integration, testing, and manufacturing space across seven facilities in the Dayton, Ohio area. The company is also constructing an additional 125,000-square-foot facility, which will more than double its existing footprint.
The new facility is expected to expand capabilities in RF testing, advanced composites, and large-scale machining, strengthening Resonant's ability to manufacture and integrate complex components for defense aircraft.
When combined with Joby's existing 768,000 square feet of facilities in Ohio, the acquisition would give the companies approximately 1 million square feet of manufacturing, integration, and testing space across the Dayton region.
Resonant also maintains engineering and manufacturing operations in Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, Colorado, and North Carolina, providing the combined business with a broader U.S. manufacturing and engineering footprint.
The companies see opportunities to combine Resonant's RF, sensing, electronic countermeasure, communications, and composite capabilities with Joby's aircraft technologies. These capabilities are increasingly important for emerging defense platforms, particularly autonomous and lower-cost aircraft that require lightweight structures alongside sophisticated sensing and communications systems.
“Resonant is a fast-growing business with strong visibility into future revenue, supported by a growing backlog and accelerating demand across its core defense markets,” said Rodrigo Brumana, Chief Financial Officer of Joby Aviation. He added that Resonant's technology, customer relationships, and scaled manufacturing capabilities make it a strategic fit as Joby expands its defense activities.
$500 Million Transaction
Joby expects the transaction to close in the first half of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory reviews. The company plans to finance the acquisition with approximately $450 million in cash and $50 million in Joby common stock.
The acquisition would broaden Joby's presence in defense manufacturing while giving the combined company greater capacity to develop and produce RF systems, advanced composite structures, aircraft modifications, and integrated mission systems for future defense platforms.
Source: Joby Aviation | Press Release
