Massive new drone factory to be opened in the UK
The government has announced that a major drone production factory operated by Tekever will open in Swindon in 2026.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the factory would position Swindon, a town which historically played an important role in the production of the Supermarine Spitfire in World War Two, as an important centre for the manufacture of military drone platforms.
Healey said the factory would create 1,000 highly-skilled British jobs and help to boost domestic military manufacturing capabilities while fuelling industrial growth.
The new factory will be the fourth operated by Tekever in the UK and its largest to date, with a footprint of 254,000 square feet. It will support prototyping, manufacturing, and research and development of military drones.
These include the existing Tekever AR3 platform and the more advanced AR5 unmanned aerial system.
Drones manufactured in the new factory will include those deployed under the Royal Air Force’s StormShroud programme, which comprises unmanned aerial systems capable of interfering with enemy radars to clear the way for fighter aircraft.
Tekever drones have proven highly effective in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including in destroying advanced Russian air defence systems.
“This new factory is a clear demonstration that this government is making defence an engine for growth across the UK,” Healey said.
“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,” he said.
