British soldiers are set to receive a new generation of surveillance drones under a government investment worth up to £400 million, aimed at strengthening battlefield intelligence while
supporting defence manufacturing jobs across south-west England and Wales.
The Ministry of Defence has selected the Tekever AR5 drone to replace the Army's ageing Watchkeeper fleet, which has been in service since 2014. The aircraft will provide commanders with improved real-time intelligence through longer flight times, greater reliability and enhanced surveillance capabilities.
The AR5 can carry up to 50kg of surveillance equipment, including advanced cameras and sensors, allowing troops to monitor the battlefield more effectively and respond more quickly to emerging threats.
The initial order includes six drones, with as many as 24 aircraft expected to enter service by 2029. The programme is valued at up to £400 million over the next decade, subject to final contract approvals.
The drones will be manufactured at Tekever's new facility in Swindon, with the government saying the investment will sustain and create hundreds of skilled jobs while strengthening Britain's defence industrial base.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the AR5 had already demonstrated its capabilities in Ukraine and would help ensure British forces remain ahead of evolving battlefield threats. He said the investment would both improve military capability and support the government's wider strategy of boosting domestic manufacturing and innovation.
The AR5 has been used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the war against Russia, providing operational experience that influenced its selection for the British Army.
Tekever's UK Managing Director, Karl Brew, described the programme as a major advance in autonomous military technology, saying it would establish a long-term partnership between government and industry to continuously upgrade the Army's surveillance capabilities.
Subject to final approvals, the first AR5 drones are expected to begin entering service later this year, marking the start of the Army's transition to its next-generation reconnaissance fleet. Photo by Robert Frola, Wikimedia commons.
