Archer Aviation has won the competitive bid process to acquire Lilium‘s portfolio of around 300 advanced air mobility patent assets for 18 million euros ($21m), including patents relating to key innovations in high-voltage systems, battery management, advanced aircraft design, flight controls, electric engines, propellers and ducted fans. The German developer of the Lilium Jet eVTOL was declared insolvent at the end of 2024.

This acquisition strengthens Archer’s leadership position in next-generation electric aviation and reinforces its commitment to ensuring the US leads the way when it comes to critical eVTOL technology. The transaction follows industry consolidation in the advanced air mobility sector, including a recent acquisition of Volocopter by a Chinese buyer.

“Lilium’s pioneering work advanced the frontier of eVTOL design and technology, and we’re excited to bring its cutting-edge technologies into the fold at Archer as we advance our product roadmap,” says founder and CEO Adam Goldstein.

Over the course of its development, Lilium spent more than $1.5 billion to develop the key enabling technologies related to its visionary eVTOL platform that was regarded by many as technologically ahead of its time. Through this purchase, Archer gains key enabling technologies that bolster its current platforms, including the patent portfolio on ducted fan technology.

In July 2025, the US Department of Transportation and FAA announced the modernisation of the special airworthiness certification (MOSAIC) final rule to drive innovation across the light-sport sector. Archer believes Lilium’s ducted fan technology could unlock future development in both the light-sport and regional air mobility sectors.