Electric air-taxi developer Archer Aviation has accused rival Joby Aviation of defrauding the U.S. government and concealing close ties to China, according to a new countersuit.
Filed Monday in U.S. federal court, Archer alleges Joby misclassified Chinese-origin aircraft materials as consumer goods to evade tariffs and foreign-influence scrutiny.
The countersuit escalates an ongoing legal fight after Joby sued Archer last year, alleging trade secret theft linked to a former employee.
Joby claimed Archer hired the employee, who allegedly transferred confidential information about aircraft design, partnerships, and business strategy.
Joby attorney Alex Spiro dismissed the allegations, calling them “nonsense” and accusing Archer of inventing claims amid business and legal struggles.
Archer’s filing also claims Joby received financial support and grants from Chinese government entities, creating what it describes as an undisclosed foreign dependency.
The dispute emerged as the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled eight new programs supporting air-taxi and drone development, with both companies listed as participants.
Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft makers like Archer and Joby are racing to certify aircraft and lead the next generation of sustainable urban air mobility.
