Archer Aviation (ACHR) is setting up a new engineering hub in South West England as part of its growing international footprint. The move comes alongside a collaboration with Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace to support two UK defense programs.
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The new site will operate under Archer Aviation UK Limited, a recently formed subsidiary. The company plans to grow its local team to help deliver on defense work across the country.
Meanwhile, ACHR shares continued their torrid 2025 with a 5.66% decline on Monday, closing at $7.83.
Defense Projects and Industry Partnership
The partnership between Archer, Anduril, and GKN Aerospace will initially focus on two British military initiatives. These are Project NYX and the Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform program, both tied to the UK Ministry of Defense.
Archer will contribute its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology and hybrid propulsion systems. GKN Aerospace will support manufacturing and airframe work, including through its Isle of Wight facility. Anduril UK will bring in its software and autonomous systems expertise.
While early efforts are directed at these two programs, the companies also plan to explore further opportunities to build and supply next-generation aerospace tools to the UK government.
Experienced Engineer Joins Team
To support the expansion, Archer has hired Dr. Limhi Somerville, a veteran in the eVTOL space. He will join the company in early 2026. Somerville spent the last six years at Vertical Aerospace (EVTL), where he led the firm’s engineering team. Before that, he held positions at Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Warwick.
Somerville said that Archer’s mix of capital, manufacturing strength, and key partnerships gave it an edge in the advanced aerospace space. He also noted interest in helping develop the company’s dual-use aircraft for both defense and civil markets.
Archer’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, pointed to the UK’s talent base and industrial depth as reasons for the move. He added that bringing in Somerville would help speed up work on the company’s hybrid-powered aircraft.
The announcement follows recent comments from the UK’s defense leadership, who have called for more investment in aerospace and national security technologies. Archer says it plans to support local hiring and help create high-skill jobs in line with those goals.
Archer Aviation Stock a Good Buy?
Despite volatility in Archer’s shares in 2025, Street analysts remain optimistic about the company’s prospects. Based on six recent ratings, Archer Aviation boasts a “Moderate Buy” consensus with an average ACHR stock price target of $12.17. This implies a 55.43% upside from the current price.
