U.S. Special Operations Command buys Tekever drones for intelligence and surveillance missions

By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)

Unmanned systems |
U.S. Special Operations Command buys Tekever drones for intelligence and surveillance missions

The AR3 Evolution is one of the unmanned systems offered by British company Tekever. Photo: Tekever.

The U.S. Special Operations Command has purchased Tekever uncrewed aerial systems following validation and acceptance testing, the company announced on October 26. Tekever withheld the number, model and specific configuration of the systems acquired.

The aircraft are designed to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in demanding operational environments. Acceptance followed an extensive flight program at multiple locations, supported by dedicated training activities.

“This procurement represents an important milestone in a relationship that has been built over time through rigorous testing, open dialogue and a clear focus on delivering effective capability,” said Ricardo Mendes, Tekever’s chief executive officer. “We greatly value the professionalism and engagement of the USSOCOM personnel with whom we have worked, and look forward to continuing to support their evolving requirements.”

The systems combine aircraft, mission-specific payloads, communications and AI-enabled mission software within a modular architecture. Tekever said it uses flight data and user feedback to refine its products as operational needs change.

The company handles engineering, manufacturing, software, artificial intelligence and operational support through a vertically integrated business model. It says this allows improvements to continue throughout the systems’ service lives.

Tekever maintains a presence in Fayetteville, North Carolina, supporting its work with U.S. defense and security customers. The company described the purchase as a further step in its long-term commitment to the United States and its special operations community.