Autonomous electric aircraft startup Pyka has been diligently working to expand its fleet of crop-dusting and cargo planes, and recently, the company has attracted the attention of a prominent new client: the Pentagon. With the promise of an eco-friendly, dual-purpose autonomous aircraft, Pyka has managed to secure $40 million in funding, propelling its plans forward and generating significant excitement among investors.

Pyka, founded in 2019, initially focused on the agricultural sector, specifically on autonomous crop-dusting—a highly necessary but often overlooked industry. Traditional crop-dusting involves human pilots performing long, tedious, and hazardous flights over vast farmlands.

Pyka’s innovative, electric Pelican aircraft automates this process, offering farmers a safer, more efficient solution. These lightweight, compact planes operate autonomously, eliminating the need for human pilots, reducing costs, and mitigating risks of accidents.

Shifting focus: from agriculture to cargo transport

Although Pyka briefly explored the possibility of a passenger aircraft, by 2022, the company shifted its focus towards a cargo variant of the Pelican. This decision came after securing a round of funding and assessing the short-term viability of their products. The company found that the cargo market, particularly in inter-island transport, was a more practical avenue to pursue at this stage of development.

Isolated communities and island nations often rely on outdated transportation methods like slow ships or aging aircraft for the delivery of goods. Pyka recognized that its small, autonomous planes, capable of carrying up to 400 kilograms of cargo per day, could dramatically improve logistics and reduce costs in these areas. This technology promised to revolutionize transportation for remote regions, allowing for quicker deliveries and reducing the carbon footprint of such operations.

The unexpected defense opportunity

While Pyka’s initial focus was entirely on commercial applications, the cargo variant quickly caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Defense. Co-founder and CEO Michael Norcia explained that they initially had doubts about whether their vehicle would fit into defense logistics. The aircraft was smaller than typical military planes, and lacking the ability to float or land on water, they questioned whether it would meet the rigorous demands of the defense industry.

However, the Russo-Ukrainian War has shifted global perspectives on autonomous defense systems and military logistics. The conflict highlighted the increasing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in combat and supply chains. “It’s now 100% clear that logistics will be automated,” Norcia explained.

The Pentagon’s interest reflects a broader shift in military procurement strategies, moving away from costly, highly specialized systems towards cheaper, more flexible solutions that can be deployed today.

Collaboration with Sierra Nevada

Given that Pyka had no prior experience in defense contracting, it partnered with Sierra Nevada Corporation—a veteran in space and defense systems. Together, they adapted the Pelican Cargo for military use, transforming it into a vehicle suitable for contested environments. The militarized version of the plane, dubbed Rumrunner, underwent electronic modifications, such as enhanced navigation and communication systems, rather than weaponization. This allowed it to operate in combat zones where traditional supply lines might be compromised.

Norcia acknowledged the ethical considerations involved in working with defense clients. “These conversations came up early and quite widely,” he said. While some employees expressed discomfort about entering the defense sector, the decision was ultimately driven by the broader potential benefits of automating logistics, which could save lives by reducing the number of manned aircraft shot down in conflict zones.

The role of the Department of Defense in aviation innovation

Norcia also pointed out that the U.S. government and the military have historically played a significant role in advancing aeronautical research. Many fundamental innovations in aviation have been funded through Department of Defense grants. This investment has led to breakthroughs in everything from materials science to unmanned systems. Pyka’s partnership with the Pentagon is thus part of a long tradition of collaboration between private companies and government agencies in advancing aviation technology.

Future commercial prospects

Despite the military’s current dominance in Pyka’s client base, Norcia remains optimistic about the company’s long-term commercial prospects. He acknowledges that regulatory hurdles and high-risk environments are formidable challenges for any startup.

However, he envisions a future where Pyka’s electric cargo planes play a major role in commercial aviation. As Pyka refines its aircraft designs and ramps up production, the company aims to use the cash flow and data from defense contracts to eventually launch a passenger aircraft—a project that remains the “pole star” of their ambitions.

In the next five to ten years, Pyka hopes to achieve greater penetration into the commercial market, where the demand for sustainable aviation solutions is growing rapidly. For now, though, the company’s ability to navigate the regulatory landscape and its defense partnerships will be key to its future success.