Joby Aviation (JOBY) Completes Landmark U.S. Defense Exercise Using Autonomous Flight Technology

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is among the 10 Best Space Exploration Stocks to Buy Now. Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) achieved a significant milestone by successfully displaying its Superpilot™ autonomous flight technology during the Resolute Force Pacific exercise, led by Pacific Air Forces. The system accomplished six sorties totaling 2,416 miles and recorded 7,342 miles over 43.7 hours, including a 4,925-mile Pacific crossing. Superpilot showed dynamic retasking, ISR missions, and quick cargo delivery while operating in several classes of airspace under both VFR and IFR. Chief Policy Officer Greg Bowles described the event as “a testament to our decade-long collaboration with the Department of Defense.”

The exercise confirmed the need for effective light intra-theater airlift that lessens dependency on larger aircraft, as requested by the U.S. Air Force. The importance of testing autonomy in contested logistics was brought up by Lt. Col. Jonathan Gilbert of AFWERX Prime. The DoD has requested $9.4 billion for autonomous and hybrid aircraft in FY26, which puts the firm in a competitive position for future programs. Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) acquired Xwing’s autonomy section in 2024, expediting the incorporation of Superpilot for both defense and commercial air taxi platforms. It is one of the Best Space Stocks.

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