The Ministry of Defence has awarded a £400 million contract to European tech firm Tekever to build and supply advanced surveillance drones, locking in hundreds of jobs across Swindon, Bristol, Southampton and Aberporth.
Deal Details and Strategic Import
Under the Corvus programme, Tekever will produce its AR5 drones at a new factory in Swindon. The contract is valued at £400 million over ten years and will sustain and create hundreds of roles at Tekever's UK sites, according to the MoD. The AR5 can carry up to 50kg of surveillance equipment—including cameras and sensors—and offers longer flight endurance than the Watchkeeper drones it replaces.
The initial order covers six AR5 units, with up to 24 planned for delivery by 2029. The drones have already seen combat use with Ukraine's armed forces.
Government and Company Stance
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "Proven in Ukraine and designed to protect British soldiers globally, we've chosen the UK-based Tekever AR5 drone to supply our personnel with kit that will keep them ahead of emerging threats." He added that the investment will support troops on deployment while driving re-industrialisation and backing British innovation.
Tekever UK's managing director Karl Brew commented: "Corvus represents a major step change in delivering cutting edge autonomy to the British Army. This isn't about a platform, it's about building and sustaining sovereign capability that stays one step ahead of our adversaries."
Jobs and Production Timeline
The full contract will support positions in Swindon, where Tekever opened a factory last year at an undisclosed location. The company cited Swindon's strategic position between Bristol and London as a key factor. Roles will also be maintained at Tekever's sites in Bristol, Southampton and West Wales Airport in Aberporth.
The new AR5 drones are expected to enter service later this year, subject to final contract signatures and approvals. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that support will be provided for at least five years, with options to extend.
