The UK Ministry of Defence has selected TEKEVER, a European leader in AI-enabled autonomous systems, to deliver CORVUS, the British Army's new surveillance capability. The program, valued at up to £400 million over ten years, is based on TEKEVER's battle-proven AR5 autonomous system and will replace the Army's existing Watchkeeper capability.
The contract will sustain and create hundreds of highly skilled jobs across TEKEVER's UK operations, including its new manufacturing facility in Swindon, engineering hubs in Bristol and Southampton, and training activities in West Wales. TEKEVER will lead a consortium of UK SME partners, generating additional employment across the country. This initiative supports the UK's defence reindustrialisation and sovereign capability goals.
The AR5 platform offers significantly improved endurance, sensor capability, and reliability compared to its predecessor. It can carry up to 50 kg of surveillance payloads, including advanced cameras and sensors, enabling persistent, round-the-clock intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The system provides real-time data to enhance battlefield decision-making and force protection.
CORVUS is designed for continuous capability evolution, allowing for the rapid integration of emerging technologies and battlefield lessons throughout its service life under full UK sovereign control. This approach reflects a shift from static platforms to adaptable systems that maintain operational advantage over time.
The AR5 draws on extensive operational experience in Ukraine, where TEKEVER's autonomous systems have accumulated over 50,000 operational flight hours since 2022. This real-world testing underpins the system's reliability and TEKEVER's rapid capability development methodology.
This means for B2B buyers and defence contractors: The CORVUS selection signals a growing demand for modular, open-architecture UAV systems with long endurance and high payload capacity. It highlights the importance of sovereign manufacturing, supply chain agility, and the ability to integrate AI-enabled autonomy. Companies in the defence supply chain should anticipate opportunities related to subsystem provision, sensor integration, and software development for such evolving platforms.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP emphasized the strategic value: Proven in Ukraine and designed to protect British soldiers globally, we've chosen the UK-based TEKEVER AR5 drone to supply our personnel with kit that will keep them ahead of emerging threats. This investment will support our troops on deployment, while driving re-industrialisation and backing British innovation.
Production will be centered at TEKEVER's new Swindon facility, with initial capability expected to enter service later this year, subject to final approvals. The system will be supported by TEKEVER for at least five years, with extension options.
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