Archer Makes a Power Play in the Future of Flight

Acquisition of nearly 300 assets follows Lilium insolvency and strengthens Archer’s position in electric aircraft development

16 Oct 2025

Archer has expanded its intellectual property portfolio with the purchase of a large set of European patents formerly held by Lilium, secured through a competitive process linked to Lilium’s recent insolvency. The deal marks a further stage of consolidation in the electric aviation sector as companies move from early trials toward commercial operations.

The transaction, valued at about €18mn (roughly $21mn), covers close to 300 patents related to propulsion systems, battery architecture and other core elements of electric aircraft design. The US-based company aims to integrate the portfolio into its existing technical base at a time when control of key systems is becoming central to long-term competitiveness.

Archer engineers said the patents would support faster development, lower future technical risks and help the company prepare for certification milestones. One engineer described the portfolio as “a meaningful addition that supports both innovation and execution”. The emphasis reflects a broader industry trend in which access to essential technology is increasingly treated as strategically important.

Analysts view the purchase as part of a wider pattern of consolidation among electric aviation companies. As the market matures, firms are seeking to secure technologies that could influence the next generation of aircraft. Observers caution that tighter ownership of foundational patents may restrict entry for smaller players as technical and regulatory expectations rise.

The Lilium assets may give Archer more room to refine its designs, manage costs and explore uses beyond short-range passenger flights. They may also help the company position itself ahead of regulatory changes. In the US, the forthcoming MOSAIC rule is expected to clarify certification pathways for emerging electric aircraft, which could affect when new models reach the market.

The acquisition highlights a sector preparing for cleaner and more efficient aviation as intellectual property, regulation and engineering progress intersect. With competition intensifying and commercial deployment approaching, the deal underscores how electric air mobility is moving from early promise toward practical application.