South Korea is teaming with a US aviation firm to explore whether an electric air taxi could become the military’s next troop transport.
The effort centers on Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) platform that Korean Air plans to adapt for military missions, including troop transport, casualty evacuation, and search-and-rescue operations.
Rather than developing a new aircraft from the ground up, the partnership will build on Midnight’s existing architecture and advanced air mobility experience.
Korean Air will lead the military conversion and systems integration, while Archer provides technical expertise and engineering support.
According to the Seoul-based company, the collaboration is a key step in advancing military advanced air mobility (AAM) and could help South Korea develop homegrown capabilities in the emerging sector.
“Military AAM development represents a blue ocean opportunity for Korea to secure leadership in future core aviation power and industry dominance,” a Korean Air official said, as quoted by The Korea Herald.
“Building on our cooperation with Archer, we aim to seize this critical window for AAM development and build a new model for defense exports.”
Building South Korea’s Military eVTOL Industry
The new partnership is reportedly drawing attention across South Korea’s defense sector, with industry observers saying it could help establish certification pathways, accelerate localization, and strengthen the country’s domestic AAM ecosystem.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport also sees broader potential, saying the effort could support South Korea’s goal of launching commercial urban air mobility services by 2028.
Meanwhile, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration is said to be considering the project for its fast-track pilot program, which could significantly shorten development and testing timelines.
Meet ‘Midnight’
Archer’s Midnight is designed to carry up to four passengers on short-range urban flights.
It has a maximum range of 100 miles (161 kilometers) and a top speed of 150 miles (241 kilometers) per hour.
Archer is now in the final phase of aircraft certification, with Midnight undergoing near-daily flight tests ahead of commercial approval.
