Electra Defense announced on November 9, 2026 that it has received a $4.7 million innovative capabilities opening (ICO) contract award from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to advance hybrid-electric aircraft power and propulsion technologies.

The award will support ground testing and flight testing of Electra's EL9 aircraft and its hybrid-electric propulsion systems, generating performance data to help the U.S. Air Force assess next-generation ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft for military operations.

The contract builds on Electra's existing partnership with AFRL, which included a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award valued at up to $85 million in 2023 and flight demonstrations during the Future Flag 25-3 exercise in 2025.

Source: Electra Defense (PR Newswire)