Drone industry soars: New site to start core production of AR5 drones to UK for first time
A new drone factory is to open in Swindon, supporting the production of uncrewed systems the UK will send to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, and will generate 1,000 jobs.
The new factory, operated by Tekever, is scheduled to open in 2026 and follows the launch of the government's Defence Industrial Strategy, which aims to boost British defence jobs.
In a visit to the Swindon site, Defence Secretary John Healey said: "This new factory is a clear demonstration that this government is making defence an engine for growth across the UK.
"Tekever's expansion will bring high-skilled jobs and world-leading drone manufacturing to Swindon, while strengthening defence supply chains.
"By backing Britain's defence industry, we strengthen both our economy and national security."
Centre of drone production
The new site will introduce the core production of the AR5 unmanned aerial system to the UK for the first time, while also increasing production of the AR3 platform.
The UK has purchased approximately £270m of Tekever drones to support Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022, and they have been extensively used in destroying highly advanced Russian air defence systems.
The new Tekever-run site will also take over production of the RAF's StormShroud capability.
These state-of-the-art drones will support RAF F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by blinding enemy radars, which increases their survivability and operational effectiveness.
In May, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an additional £19m investment by the RAF into Tekever's AR3 StormShroud.
The Swindon news comes as figures show government investment in UK defence industries reached £31.7bn last year.
Tekever already operates across three other UK sites, but its new facility in Swindon – a location that once produced the Supermarine Spitfire during World War Two – will be its largest.
Karl Brew, Director of Tekever Defence, said: "Our decision to establish a new facility in Swindon reflects Tekever's commitment to the UK and to the ambitions of the £400m Overmatch programme.
"The site will play a central role in the production of our new AR3 EVO system and in creating up to 1,000 highly skilled jobs over the next five years.
"This investment will ensure we deliver advanced, sovereign capability at pace and in close partnership with the UK defence ecosystem."
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