South Korean military signs deal to turn flying taxis into troop transports — and the US Air Force could be next in line
South Korea will adapt Archer's Midnight flying taxi for military missions while supporting certification work and future commercial air mobility development.
South Korean military and U.S. Air Force could collaborate on transforming Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL electric flying taxis into troop transports and cargo delivery vehicles. Korean Air and Archer reached a deal to modify the Midnight eVTOL platform to meet South Korean military standards, minimizing engineering and certification challenges.
The modified aircraft, expected to carry four passengers and travel 100 miles per charge, will support troop transportation, cargo delivery, medical evacuation, search and rescue missions, and special operations. The agreement between the two companies also aligns with South Korea's broader aviation aspirations, including the development of advanced air mobility and commercial flying taxi services by 2028.
The military version of the eVTOL could provide valuable technical data for South Korea's certification framework and bolster its defense exports. Details on when military deliveries might commence remain unclear, pending further clarification from both governments.
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