FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — European defence technology company Tekever has secured a contract to supply uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), expanding its presence in the U.S. defence market. Announced on October 26, 2026, the procurement follows extensive flight trials at multiple locations, validation and acceptance testing, and hands-on training with USSOCOM personnel. Feedback from the trials helped refine the systems before acceptance.
Tekever has not disclosed the contract value, number of aircraft ordered or exact configurations selected. The AR3 is the only Tekever aircraft previously publicly linked to USSOCOM, but the specific configuration covered by the new contract has not been confirmed. The systems are intended to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in demanding operational environments.
AR3 Evolution Capabilities
The AR3 Evolution is a modular, multi-role uncrewed aerial system that can operate as a fixed-wing aircraft or in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) configuration. It can be prepared for flight in under five minutes once operators are trained and can operate from a 5-by-5-metre area, including ship decks and unprepared terrain.
The platform has a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg, increasing to 30 kg in VTOL configuration, a wingspan of 4.2 metres, a payload capacity of 6 kg and a cruise speed of 46 knots. Its endurance reaches up to 22 hours in fixed-wing mode or 14 hours in VTOL mode, with a communications range of up to 230 kilometres.
The aircraft supports interchangeable mission equipment, including electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), signals intelligence sensors, mesh-network radios and electronic warfare antennas. Its modular architecture allows payloads, communications equipment and propulsion systems to be adapted to operational requirements. Propulsion options include electric, combustion and heavy-fuel engines, while launch and recovery methods include catapult, VTOL and parachute.
The AR3 Evolution is designed for complex and contested environments, including GPS- and communications-denied conditions.
USSOCOM Trials and Operational Experience
In March 2025, Tekever reported completing an operational exercise with USSOCOM at Camp Roberts, California. The exercise assessed the AR3 in a contested electronic warfare environment and highlighted its VTOL capability, which removes the need for separate launch or recovery equipment, as well as its low acoustic and visual signature.
Earlier versions of the AR3 have been used by Ukrainian forces since 2022 for ISR missions, accumulating more than 50,000 operational flight hours. Experience from these operations informed improvements to the Evolution variant.
Ricardo Mendes, co-founder and chief executive of Tekever, said the procurement marked an important milestone in a relationship built through testing, open dialogue and a focus on operational capability. He praised USSOCOM personnel for their engagement and said the company looked forward to supporting the command's evolving requirements.
Tekever Expands Its Defence Business
Tekever operates a dedicated U.S. facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina, near Fort Bragg, a major centre for U.S. special operations forces.
In September 2026, the company announced the first close of a $580 million Series D funding round, led by UC Investments and Baillie Gifford, valuing the business at $6.4 billion. The investment will support international expansion, increased manufacturing capacity and further development of autonomous systems.
Tekever has also secured a contract worth up to £400 million to supply its larger AR5 surveillance drones to the British Army under the CORVUS programme, which is intended to replace the ageing Watchkeeper fleet.
Founded in Portugal and now headquartered in Britain, Tekever employs more than 1,500 people and maintains facilities in Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Estonia and Ukraine. The USSOCOM contract adds to the company's expanding presence in defence markets on both sides of the Atlantic.
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