UK military ‘eyes innovative electric flying taxi’ as 2029 launch planned
Vertical Aerospace says government has given £10m backing, taking its total investment in the project to £48m British flying taxi startup Vertical Aerospace has said the UK government has expressed interest in buying a military variant of its aircraft as it...
The UK government is considering a possible military use for Vertical Aerospace’s electric flying taxi, as the Bristol-based startup works toward regulatory approval for passenger flights and a planned launch in 2029.
According to a monitored public feed based on reporting from The Guardian Business, Vertical Aerospace said officials have shown interest in a military version of its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, often known as an eVTOL. The company is aiming to bring the aircraft into service with paying passengers later in the decade.
Vertical also said it has received another £10 million in government backing. That latest support lifts the total amount of UK state investment in the project to £48 million, the company said.
The aircraft is being developed as part of a broader push to commercialize electric flight for short-distance transport. While the immediate focus remains on civilian approval and operations, the reported military interest suggests the UK sees potential for the technology beyond passenger service.
Vertical Aerospace has been one of the more closely watched names in the electric aviation sector, where companies are racing to prove that battery-powered aircraft can meet safety, performance and certification standards. In this case, the company’s public statements point to two parallel tracks: preparing for commercial flights and exploring potential government and defense uses.
The additional grant adds to a significant public funding commitment at a time when startups in advanced aviation continue to depend on outside backing to progress through testing, certification and manufacturing. The reported £48 million in total UK state funding underscores the level of official support behind the project so far.
This article is based on a monitored public feed and summarizes the available details from the source report.
Source: The Guardian Business - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jul/21/uk-military-electric-flying-taxi-vertical-aerospace-evtol
