The British Army is set to receive a new fleet of Tekever AR5 surveillance drones under an investment worth up to £400 million. The government says the new spy drone technology is intended to improve battlefield awareness, helping troops gather intelligence around the clock and operate more safely.
According to the announcement, the AR5 drones have been selected to support British soldiers with persistent surveillance and reconnaissance. That capability is expected to strengthen force protection while also improving the Army’s ability to identify threats and respond more effectively in operational environments.
The deal also has an industrial and regional impact, with support for jobs linked to Tekever’s UK operations in South West England and Wales. The investment ties defence spending to domestic employment, as the government highlights the role of the programme in backing skilled work at British sites.
The move reflects a wider push to modernise military capability through unmanned systems and more advanced intelligence tools. By combining defence procurement with support for UK jobs, the programme aims to deliver both operational benefits for the Army and economic value in key regions.
