Electra Launches Defense Unit After USAF Hybrid-Electric Flight Tests
Electra, a US-based aerospace startup specializing in hybrid-electric propulsion systems, has launched Electra Defense, a dedicated business unit focused on military applications of its innovative aircraft technology. The decision follows successful completion of government-directed test events conducted with the US Air Force at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Future Flag 25-3 exercise in September 2025.
During these critical demonstrations, Electra’s EL2 prototype aircraft executed an operational scenario showcasing command and control of logistics assets, performed quiet ultra-short takeoff and landing maneuvers, and powered up an MQ-9 Reaper UAV to demonstrate agile combat deployment capabilities. These tests validated core military requirements and positioned the company’s technology as a viable solution for evolving defense operational concepts.
The EL9, Electra’s nine-seat production aircraft currently in development, represents a significant advancement in military logistics and special operations support. Capable of accessing austere locations with takeoff and landing distances as short as 150 feet, the aircraft carries 1,000 pounds of payload over 1,000 nautical miles while generating 600 kilowatts of expeditionary power. This combination of capabilities addresses a critical gap in military transportation options.
“The military can no longer solely rely on trucks or helicopters to conduct logistics missions over long distances,” said Donn Yates, Vice President and General Manager of Electra Defense. “The multi-mission ultra-STOL EL9 is the sprinter van of the skies, enabling agile combat employment to deliver people, power, and payloads at the last tactical leg.”
Militaries worldwide seek to achieve distributed operations while alleviating demand pressure on larger airlift assets such as the C-17 and C-130 transport aircraft. The EL9’s runway-independent operational profile enables access to helicopter-sized landing zones in remote or contested environments while maintaining the safety, cost efficiency, and range advantages of fixed-wing aircraft operations.
Electra’s identified mission applications for the EL9 include last tactical mile logistics, agile combat employment support, ship-to-shore transport, casualty evacuation and personnel recovery, expeditionary power and command and control operations, quiet infiltration and exfiltration for special operations forces, and maritime patrol with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
In June 2025, Electra formalized a memorandum of understanding with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to accelerate commercialization of the EL9 and explore global opportunities for programs of record. This partnership strengthens the pathway toward military adoption while leveraging Skunk Works’ expertise in advanced aerospace development and defense integration.
The establishment of Electra Defense reflects broader industry trends toward distributed, resilient military logistics networks and the increasing integration of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion in defense aviation. As military operational concepts continue evolving toward smaller forward-deployed units, technologies enabling long-range, austere-location operations are gaining strategic importance.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764777646231-1119