Image: Tekever AR5
British soldiers will gain sharper battlefield intelligence under a new agreement worth up to £400 million, which will equip the Army with Tekever’s AR5 surveillance drones. The deal replaces the ageing Watchkeeper fleet and strengthens Britain’s defence manufacturing base.
The Army will initially order six AR5 drones, with deliveries rising to 24 by 2029. Each aircraft can carry up to 50kg of surveillance equipment, including cameras and sensors, and offers longer flight endurance than previous systems. Commanders will gain real-time intelligence to protect troops and shape battlefield decisions.
Tekever will build the drones at a new manufacturing facility in Swindon, due to open shortly. The AR5 has already seen combat use with Ukraine’s Armed Forces during their defence against Russia’s invasion, according to a recent press statement.
Watchkeeper has served the Army since 2014 but is approaching the end of its operational life. The AR5 brings improved endurance, sensor performance and reliability, helping the Army retain its edge in surveillance and reconnaissance.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting commented that the UK-based drone will keep personnel ahead of emerging threats while backing British innovation and driving re-industrialisation.
Tekever UK Managing Director Karl Brew added that the programme, known as CORVUS, represents a shift towards sovereign autonomous capability, built through sustained partnership between government and industry.
The full contract, running over ten years, will sustain and create hundreds of jobs across Tekever’s UK sites. Subject to contract signature and final approvals, the new capability is expected to enter service later this year, with support sustained for at least five years and options to extend.
Read more on the UK MoD website
