Pan-European technology firm TEKEVER has signed a contract with the Portuguese Air Force to supply its AR5 autonomous unmanned aerial system for long-range surveillance, security, and defense missions.
The agreement encompasses the delivery of the medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) fixed-wing aircraft, the Ground Control Station, and the ATLAS mission system. Scheduled to achieve initial operational capability this coming September, the platform is designed for wide-area intelligence-gathering missions, featuring a flight endurance of up to 20 hours, a payload capacity of 50 kg, and integrated satellite communications (SATCOM) to enable operations beyond radio line of sight (BRLOS). The aircraft’s ability to operate from short or unprepared runways ensures operational flexibility across demanding environments.
Under the terms of the deal, the Portuguese Air Force will directly deploy the platforms to monitor the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and maintain coastal security. The systems will also support public interest initiatives, including the Special Rural Firefighting Unit (DECIR) and environmental protection missions. To facilitate autonomous operation, TEKEVER is implementing a knowledge transfer program with initial training completing in September alongside delivery, followed by a second phase in October to establish full operational readiness.
Tenente-Coronel Luís Henriques, Operational Coordinator of the Portuguese Air Force’s AR5 Working Group, stated, “The integration of the AR5 system represents a significant enhancement of the Portuguese Air Force’s operational capabilities. This platform meets current surveillance, security, and defense requirements, providing greater range, endurance, and operational flexibility. Its integration will strengthen the nation’s capacity to monitor the Exclusive Economic Zone and support a wide range of public interest missions, contributing to an Air Force that is better prepared to respond to present and future challenges.”
Pedro Petiz, Director for Portugal at TEKEVER, commented, “This contract puts an autonomous capability developed and produced in Portugal to work in protecting our airspace and maritime territory. In addition to supplying the aircraft, we will cooperate with the Portuguese Air Force to consolidate and develop its own operational capability, which will strengthen national autonomy, readiness, and response capacity.”
TEKEVER specializes in artificial intelligence-based autonomous systems that have accumulated thousands of flight hours in coastal patrol, border protection, search and rescue, and persistent surveillance. The company’s operational track record includes missions for international entities such as the UK Home Office and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), with systems currently operating in Ukraine for surveillance and reconnaissance in an operational environment.
