UK Army selects Tekever AR5 drone to replace Watchkeeper in £400 mln deal

Published Jul 26, 08:03 AM UTC

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected the Tekever AR5 surveillance drone to replace the British Army's aging Watchkeeper fleet under Project CORVUS, in a deal worth up to £400 million ($533 million) over ten years. The initial order covers six AR5 aircraft, with potential expansion to 24 by 2029, and first deliveries expected later in 2026. The AR5, built by UK-based Tekever, can carry up to 50 kg of sensors and offers significantly longer endurance than Watchkeeper. Notably, the drone has been combat-proven by Ukrainian forces against Russia's invasion, lending it battlefield credibility. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the system's role in protecting troops and supporting British innovation. Tekever will build the AR5 at a new facility in Swindon, creating hundreds of skilled jobs. The program aims to deliver a continuously evolving sovereign capability for the British Army.