The Omen drone developed by Anduril and Edge Group, featuring Archer’s electric powertrain.
Archer Anduril Omen deal is a leader in the eVTOL world.
Archer Aviation is an American company that develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company is now focusing on urban air mobility, where air taxis can be used to avoid traffic in cities. Archer has developed its flagship aircraft, the Midnight. This is a five-seat eVTOL aircraft, but it can accommodate four passengers and a pilot. It has a range of 60 miles and can reach speeds of up to 150 mph, powered by 12 rotors. The company has recently broken records in test flights.
In October 2025, the Midnight achieved a speed of 120 mph at an altitude of 7,000 feet. In July 2025, it was tested outside the United States for the first time. It flew at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport. Archer is headquartered in California and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company’s ticker is ACHR, and it has signed an exclusive deal with Korean Air. Air taxis will be launched in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.
Archer Anduril Omen deal: The New Face of Defense Technology
Anduril Industries was founded in 2017. The founder is Palmer Luckey. He was the co-founder of Oculus VR. The company focuses on autonomous systems. It creates AI-powered hardware and software. Anduril’s mission is to strengthen US and allied forces, but they adopt a software-first approach. They aim to transform traditional defense contracting. Among the company’s products is a platform called Lattice. It integrates sensors, drones, and AI, and Anduril provides solutions for border security and military missions. In 2025, they achieved several milestones. They raised billions of dollars in funding rounds, but they are working on drones and autonomous vehicles. The Omen project is an example of this. Anduril is bringing innovation to the defense sector. They upgrade older systems with AI.
Edge Group: The UAE’s Defense Power
Edge Group is the UAE’s leading defense company. It controls several subsidiaries and manufactures aerospace, land, and sea systems. For the Omen drone, Edge is Anduril’s partner. They will handle co-development and production, as well as sales and maintenance in the UAE. Edge has expanded international partnerships in recent years. They are bringing American technology to the Middle East. The UAE has ordered 50 units for the Omen. This is an initial commitment, which will lead to production scale-up. Edge’s focus is on dual-use technology. Despite its military and civilian uses, Archer’s strength lies in its powertrain: a system of battery packs and electric engines. The company manufactures it in a 1 million square foot facility in the United States, where automation ensures fast and reliable production. Now, it is selling this technology to third parties. This will open up a new revenue stream.
The Magic of Hover-to-Cruise Drone
The Omen is an autonomous air vehicle. It was jointly developed by Anduril and Edge and unveiled at the Dubai Air Show on November 13, 2025. It is a Group 3 drone. Its signature feature is its hover-to-cruise mode, which allows it to take off and land vertically, like a drone or helicopter. It then cruises in fixed-wing mode. The Omen is also hybrid-electric for faster speeds and longer range. However, Archer’s electric powertrain forms its core, with a battery pack and engine system powering it. The payload capacity is high, perfect for missions designed for dual-use mission sets, such as surveillance, logistics, or combat. Anduril engineers spent five years developing it. Now, the production version is on its way.
Key details of the deal: Archer Anduril Omen deal
Archer announced on November 17, 2025. The company will supply powertrains to the Anduril and Edge, marking its first third-party deal. Previously, the Midnight only used this technology. Now, they will integrate it into the Omen. The deal struck on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show had Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein saying, “We consider Midnight a platform, but it also hosts new aerospace technologies.” The Anduril deal is the first, and many more will follow.” Shane Arnott, SVP of Engineering at Anduril, added, “Five years of work on the Omen, combined with Archer’s technology, improved range, speed, and payload. This de-risks production, and the deal is based on a memorandum of understanding. Binding agreements will follow, and the UAE order of 50 units creates demand. This is Archer’s entry into defense.
Technological Aspects: The Strength of the Electric Powertrain
Archer’s powertrain is advanced. It includes a proprietary battery pack and an electric engine system. Focused on safety, performance, and reliability, yet optimized for aviation use cases. It also serves defense applications, but the company manufactures in US facilities. Automation allows for scalable production. Furthermore, the technology in the Omen will support hybrid setups, hovering in vertical mode, high speeds in cruise mode, increased range, and increased payload capacity. Autonomous flights are possible with AI integration. Anduril’s Lattice platform makes it This technology is transforming the eVTOL industry. Lower emissions. Less noise. Lower operating costs. In defense, it will reduce fuel dependence.
The significance of this deal is for defense and backbone A Merger of Strategic
This deal will be a major game-changer. Archer will no longer just manufacture passenger eVTOLs; it will become a defense supplier. A new revenue stream will open up. Regulatory hurdles have slowed commercial rollout, so Anduril’s focus on defense and logistics will benefit from Archer’s technology. They will be able to produce faster. For the UAE, Omen is a strategic asset. Drone technology will grow in the Middle East, from dual-use to civil applications such as disaster relief. Globally, it will also promote electric aviation. Green tech is essential in the era of climate change.
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