Portuguese drone-maker Tekever has announced a £400 million investment in the United Kingdom following a major contract win with the Royal Air Force (RAF). The move comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and increasing pressure on European nations to strengthen their defense capabilities.
The RAF on Friday unveiled “StormShroud,” a new electronic warfare program designed to modernize the UK’s aerial defense systems. As part of the initiative, Tekever will supply its AR3 drones—combat-tested in Ukraine—to enhance the RAF’s operational strength. These drones, developed and manufactured in the UK, are expected to boost both the survivability and lethality of RAF aircraft.
£400M Investment to Create 1,000 Skilled UK Jobs
The announcement was accompanied by a government statement praising the partnership. Tekever has committed to invest £400 million over five years in UK-based production facilities. This funding will support innovation and help create up to 1,000 high-skilled jobs across the country.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited a Tekever drone manufacturing site in southeast England to mark the occasion. He met with engineers and apprentices, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the defense industry.
“Investment in our defence is an investment in this country’s future,” Starmer said in a statement. “Putting money behind our Armed Forces and defence industry is safeguarding our economic and national security by putting money back in the pockets of hard-working British people and protecting them for generations to come.”
Tekever CEO Ricardo Mendes said the initiative goes beyond industrial growth. “This strategic commitment to the UK is more than an industrial expansion,” he stated. “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.”
Geopolitical Tensions Driving Europe’s Defence Tech Surge
The Tekever deal is part of a broader European trend. Since returning to office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has pressured NATO allies to increase military spending. Trump’s warnings—combined with ongoing concerns about Russian aggression—have fueled a dramatic rise in European defense investment.
Billions of euros are now flowing into military tech startups across Europe. Governments are increasingly partnering with innovative firms like Tekever to respond to modern battlefield challenges. The war in Ukraine has further accelerated demand for advanced technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), AI-driven surveillance, and electronic warfare systems.
The AR3 drone, central to the RAF’s StormShroud program, has seen frontline deployment in Ukraine. It is praised for its intelligence-gathering capabilities and adaptability. Integrating these drones into RAF operations is expected to significantly strengthen the UK’s aerial defense posture.
With this investment, Tekever reinforces its presence in the UK and signals its ambition to shape Europe’s defense future. The job creation and manufacturing expansion align with the UK government’s economic strategy, which emphasizes national security, technology leadership, and regional job growth.
As European defense priorities evolve, partnerships between governments and defense startups will likely intensify. Tekever’s expansion in the UK sets a strong precedent for future collaborations and highlights the country’s role in a reshaped, tech-driven European defense ecosystem.
