Archer Aviation Establishes UK Aerospace Engineering Hub

Archer Aviation has confirmed plans to establish an engineering operation in the UK. On December 16, the U.S.-based eVTOL aircraft developer said the new unit will initially focus its efforts on joint work with Anduril and GKN Aerospace for the British Army’s Project NYX drone development and the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform.

To further strengthen its presence in the UK, Archer has recruited Limhi Somerville, who for the past six years has been director of engineering with rival eVTOL manufacturer Vertical Aerospace. Archer did not say what position Somerville will hold when he joins the company in early 2026. He previously held engineering and research roles at Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Warwick.

Archer’s new engineering hub in the UK will be at an as-yet-unconfirmed location in the southwest of England. The new team will pursue further collaboration opportunities with GKN Aerospace’s airframe production facility on the Isle of Wight.

“The UK has the talent and industrial base to be a major player in driving the next era of advanced aerospace and defense,” commented Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “Archer’s plan to open a UK engineering hub underscores our commitment to being an integral part of the next generation of aerospace and defense in this country. Bringing a leader of Limhi’s caliber onto the team is critical as we look to continue to accelerate the development of our hybrid-propulsion, dual-use aircraft.”