Archer Aviation has revealed plans to launch a new engineering hub in South West England to support its growing aerospace and defense operations within the United Kingdom.
The move establishes a dedicated UK subsidiary intended to tap into the region’s established aerospace industrial base. This expansion follows a recent collaboration between Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace, which focuses on the British Army’s Project NYX and the Ministry of Defence’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform program. Archer will contribute its advancements in electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technology and hybrid propulsion to these initiatives, utilizing GKN Aerospace’s airframe production facilities on the Isle of Wight.
To lead this new chapter, Archer has appointed Dr. Limhi Somerville, who will join the company in early 2026. Dr. Somerville previously spent six years at Vertical Aerospace leading their engineering program and has held prior roles at Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Warwick.
Dr. Limhi Somerville said, “Archer is pairing realistic innovation with the capital, manufacturing capabilities, and strategic partnerships required to actually deliver next-generation aerospace and defence technologies at scale. The opportunity to support the development of their dual-use vertical lift platform is compelling. I’m excited to get to work.”
The initiative aligns with recent statements from the UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry regarding the role of the defense sector in driving economic growth. By partnering with local entities like GKN and Anduril, Archer aims to create high-skill engineering roles that support national defense priorities.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, added, “The UK has the talent and industrial base to be a major player in driving the next era of advanced aerospace and defence. Archer’s plans to open a UK engineering hub underscores our commitment to being an integral part of the next-generation of aerospace and defence in the country. Bringing a leader of Limhi’s caliber onto the team is critical as we look to continue to accelerate the development of our hybrid propulsion, dual-use aircraft.”
