LONDON — The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a contract worth up to £400 million to equip the British Army with Tekever AR5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), replacing the Army's ageing Watchkeeper fleet under Project CORVUS.
The 10-year procurement programme will introduce a new tactical surveillance capability for the British Army, with the AR5 providing longer endurance, improved sensor capability, and real-time intelligence support for military operations.
Under the agreement, an initial order of six AR5 drones will be delivered, while up to 24 aircraft are expected to enter service by 2029. Subject to contract signature and final approvals, the first systems are scheduled to begin entering service later this year. The contract also includes at least five years of sustainment support, with options for further extension.
New Tactical Surveillance Capability
The Tekever AR5 is a fixed-wing, medium-altitude tactical uncrewed aircraft with a 7.3-metre wingspan. It has a maximum take-off weight of around 180 kg, cruises at 100 km/h, and offers an endurance of up to 20 hours. The aircraft can also operate from short, unpaved airstrips, providing greater deployment flexibility.
The drone can carry a 50 kg payload of surveillance equipment, including ultra-high-resolution cameras, maritime radar, and advanced radio frequency (RF) sensors. According to the Ministry of Defence, these capabilities will provide commanders with real-time intelligence to support battlefield decision-making and help protect deployed personnel.
Defence Secretary Highlights Investment
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the AR5 had already demonstrated its capability in operational environments.
"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. This investment will support our troops on deployment, while driving re-industrialisation and backing British innovation."
The AR5 has already been used by Ukraine's Armed Forces and has also supported UK maritime surveillance operations, including monitoring small-boat crossings in the English Channel.
Manufacturing and Industrial Impact
The AR5 drones will be manufactured at Tekever's new production facility in Swindon, which is expected to handle activities ranging from research and development to full-scale production.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the programme is expected to sustain and create hundreds of highly skilled jobs across Tekever's UK operations, supporting the country's defence and technology sector.
Tekever was founded in Portugal and has expanded its presence in the United Kingdom in recent years.
Tekever UK Managing Director Karl Brew said Project CORVUS represents a significant development for the British Army's future capabilities.
"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. Through CORVUS, TEKEVER aims to create a new type of partnership between government and industry where we will ensure a constant cycle of capability evolution that delivers decisive advantage to our end users."
Replacing the Watchkeeper Fleet
The contract marks the beginning of the replacement of the British Army's Watchkeeper unmanned aircraft system, which entered service in 2014. Developed by Thales UK based on an Israeli design, the Watchkeeper programme experienced years of delays and faced operational challenges during its service life.
As the Watchkeeper fleet reaches the end of its operational life, the Ministry of Defence said the Tekever AR5 will provide improved endurance, enhanced sensor capability, and greater reliability, strengthening the Army's tactical reconnaissance capability for future operations.
Source : gov.uk
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