Drones Startup TEKEVER To Invest £400M In UK Defence, Creating 1,000+ Skilled Jobs

This investment will go into research, new facilities, and developing defence technologies, and it will create more than 1,000 skilled jobs.

TEKEVER makes complete systems and services that help with complex security and defence missions.
The company handles everything from designing and building drones to making their engines, cameras, sensors, communication tools, software, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The announcement comes as TEKEVER launches a new high-tech defence project called StormShroud, as part of the Royal Air Force’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) Programme. TEKEVER leaders also met with the Prime Minister as part of the launch.

At the heart of the project is TEKEVER’s AR3 drone. This is a powerful uncrewed aerial system (UAS) built to last long missions and work in tough environments. The AR3 has already been used in real missions, including in Ukraine.

StormShroud will support fighter jets like the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning by blocking enemy radar, helping these aircraft carry out precise attacks without being detected. This makes missions safer for human pilots and allows them to focus on other important tasks.

Since 2022, the AI-powered AR3 drone has flown over 10,000 hours in Ukraine, spotting and tracking vehicles and ships on its own in dangerous areas.

As part of StormShroud, the AR3 will use an advanced electronic warfare system called BriteStorm, made by Leonardo UK in Luton. This highlights how different UK-based companies are working together to strengthen national and allied defence.

The £400 million investment is part of TEKEVER’s bigger five-year UK project called OVERMATCH. This programme aims to improve the country’s defence by advancing AI and autonomous technology—both of which are becoming essential for modern warfare.

TEKEVER currently employs almost 1,000 people across its locations in the UK, Portugal, France, and Ukraine.

Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER, commented:

“TEKEVER is proud to be part of the RAF's Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) programme, rapidly delivering the Stormshroud capability in under 6 months.

This programme is a strong example of how the Ministry of Defence and Industry can work collaboratively to deliver cutting edge Defence capability at pace while incorporating lessons learned from operational feedback in Ukraine and supporting the UK sovereign industrial base.”

About TEKEVER

TEKEVER is a company from Portugal that makes drones (also called Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs) and the software that controls them. These drones are used for military, business, and ocean-related missions.