Air Force Raises Joby's Autonomous-Cargo Funding to Nearly $37 Million, With a $50 Million Testing Ceiling
The money pays for more Pacific exercises with a self-flying Cessna Caravan meant to move cargo without risking aircrews, though the aircraft still carries a safety pilot.
The money pays for more Pacific exercises with a self-flying Cessna Caravan meant to move cargo without risking aircrews, though the aircraft still carries a safety pilot.
The U.S. Air Force has raised its commitment to Joby Aviation's autonomous flight technology to nearly $37 million, the company announced Wednesday. The awards came through AFWERX, the service's innovation arm.
The additions build on nearly $20 million in earlier contracts, Joby chief policy officer Greg Bowles told investors the same day. The ceiling on its operational-testing contract rose from $5 million to $50 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Air Force award Joby?
Additional funding through AFWERX that brings the service's total commitment to Joby's autonomous flight technology to nearly $37 million, and a higher ceiling of $50 million on Joby's operational-testing contract, according to Joby's Nov. 4 announcement.
Is the $50 million guaranteed?
No. It is a contract ceiling. The Pentagon's Sept. 28 contract notice lists a $45 million ceiling increase with no funding obligated at the time of award. Nearly $37 million is the figure Joby says has been committed.
What aircraft is involved?
The J208, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan fitted with Joby's autonomy system. Joby's electric air taxi is not part of this award.
Does the aircraft fly without a pilot?
Not yet. Joby's flights carry an onboard safety pilot, and DroneXL noted the announcement names no date for removing one. A ground-based operator monitors each flight.
Who else is doing this for the Air Force?
Reliable Robotics holds a $17.4 million Air Force contract, signed in 2025, to integrate and test its autonomy system on a Cessna 208B for Indo-Pacific logistics, DroneXL and AeroTime reported.
What happens next?
Joby says the new contracts will focus on follow-on Pacific military exercises. The contract notice puts completion of the work at March 1, 2029.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.