Since beginning operations in Ukraine, Tekever has conducted thousands of missions with its AR3 and AR5 systems, achieving more than 10,000 AR3 flight hours. Feedback from frontline users has led to over 100 upgrades of the AR3, culminating in the launch of the AR3 EVO in September 2025, a system designed from battlefield experience for both land and maritime use.
“Ukraine is the world’s most important defence innovation lab today. Tekever has been here from the start – testing on the front line, listening to feedback, and rapidly transforming those lessons into operational systems. The AR3 EVO is proof of that process: born in battle, designed for any mission, in any environment,” said Karl Brew, Head of Tekever Defence.
Bezsudna, co-founder of the Defence Builder accelerator and a recognised figure in Ukraine’s defence technology ecosystem, will oversee the expansion of Tekever’s Kyiv office and the creation of a local R&D hub integrated with centres in Portugal, France and the UK. Her role also includes accelerating the integration of Ukrainian startup innovations and strengthening connections between frontline operators and engineering teams.
“I believe we must replace people with technology wherever lives are at risk. Ukraine needs solutions that can be tested directly with combat units and then scaled globally. With Tekever, we are demonstrating that from the Black Sea to Donetsk our AR3 and AR5 drones are already delivering intelligence, protecting lives, and paving the way for the next generation with the AR3 EVO,” said Kateryna Bezsudna.
Since 2022, Tekever drones have been deployed in both the Black Sea and Donetsk fronts, where they have enabled Ukrainian forces to identify enemy positions, maintain continuous surveillance, and save lives.
“By appointing Kateryna, we gain not only local leadership but also a strategic vision to turn Ukraine into a global hub for autonomous systems innovation. Above all, our mission is clear: every Tekever system deployed in Ukraine is built to protect people and save lives,” added Brew.
Tekever employs nearly 1,000 staff across the UK, Portugal, France and Ukraine. Its vertically integrated model covers aerospace engineering, propulsion, optics, communication systems, avionics, software, data science and artificial intelligence, providing defence and security forces with scalable AI-driven autonomous systems.
