TEKEVER has unveiled the first of the company’s AR3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to be produced exclusively in the United Kingdom. This achievement follows the expansion of TEKEVER’s facilities at West Wales Airport, Aberporth, which established manufacturing capabilities for the AR3 drone that were previously only possible at the company’s site in Portugal.
TEKEVER has more than doubled its workforce in the UK over the last year and currently employs 120 people across departments including operations, engineering, software development, manufacturing, and support. TEKEVER opened its second UK site at West Wales Airport, Aberporth, in September 2023, after ten years of operating in the UK from its site in Southampton. The site was initially used for research and development and test flights for customers including the UK Home Office.
The expansion enables TEKEVER to streamline the product development process and quickly adapt systems to changing customer needs entirely in the UK. TEKEVER will also be able to service more government clients, which often require local production of software and equipment for security reasons.
TEKEVER’s AR3 UAS is designed to support multiple types of maritime and land-based missions. It provides up to 16 hours of flight endurance and can be tailored to adapt to specific customer and mission requirements.
The first UK-made TEKEVER AR3 is currently being showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. Symbolically signed by the entire team, it represents the company’s established capability for development, production, testing, and operation within the UK.
Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER, said: “The success of the UK’s defence technology industry relies on having an agile and autonomous development process. We work very closely with our customers and users on the field to adapt our systems to their constantly evolving needs. Creating a UK-based supply chain out of our site in West Wales will enable us to rapidly respond and ensure our technology remains competitive.
TEKEVER views the UK as a home market and plans to significantly expand its presence to meet increasing export and domestic demand. It is currently seeking the government’s views on the options and approach for that investment.”
Find TEKEVER at Farnborough International Airshow at Booth #3760 to learn more.
