Drone maker Tekever to invest £400 million in defence, creating over 1,000 UK jobs

The investment is part of Tekever’s five-year development initiative, OVERMATCH, aimed at accelerating advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomy within defence systems. The programme supports the UK’s strategy to become a global defence industrial superpower by delivering technology to the front line rapidly and efficiently.

The announcement aligns with the official launch of StormShroud, a next-generation electronic warfare initiative under the Royal Air Force’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) programme. Tekever’s tactical UAS, the AR3 — a proven system with operational deployments in Ukraine — has been chosen as the aerial platform for StormShroud.

StormShroud is designed to support crewed aircraft like the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning by disrupting enemy radar systems, enabling undetected precision strikes. The concept allows electronic warfare operations to be conducted without risking human lives, freeing personnel for other frontline responsibilities.

Since 2022, Tekever’s AI-enabled AR3 has logged over 10,000 flight hours in Ukraine, autonomously detecting and tracking targets in complex combat environments. In the StormShroud programme, the AR3 will be integrated with Leonardo UK’s BriteStorm electronic warfare payload, developed in Luton, showcasing effective industrial collaboration in support of UK and allied defence goals.

Ricardo Mendes, CEO of Tekever, stated: “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.”

He added: “Building on this foundation, and our long term partnership with MOD in supporting Ukraine we are today announcing our OVERMATCH programme, investing £400 million in the UK over the next 5 years and creating 1,000 high-skilled jobs. This strategic commitment to the UK is more than an industrial expansion — it is a plan to position the UK to lead the transformation of Europe’s defence landscape by delivering faster, more adaptive capabilities that stay ahead of evolving threats.”

During a visit to the Leonardo UK site in the South East, the Prime Minister observed drone manufacturing activities and met with staff, including engineering apprentices who represent the future of the British defence industry. The visit underscored the government’s support for innovation and skills development within the UK’s defence sector.