Tekever boosts UK support with new drone factory
Tekever will open its largest UK factory in Swindon in 2026 to support the full production lifecycle of its drones, including the Tekever AR5 and the Tekever AR3. Announced by the UK Ministry of Defence, the 254,000 sq ft facility will enable rapid prototyping, manufacturing, R&D, and scaled-up production of these unmanned aerial systems, with the AR3 also forming the base for the Royal Air Force’s StormShroud electronic warfare capability. Part of Tekever’s GBP 400 million ‘Overmatch’ programme, which also includes the recent acquisition of West Wales Airport for UAV testing, the site will create 1,000 skilled jobs and aims to build a broader UK defence ecosystem by fostering collaboration between SMEs and major defence companies. Positioned between London and Bristol, the Swindon factory is expected to help meet growing customer demand and bolster the UK’s defence industrial base as part of the government’s “engine for growth” strategy.