Portugal acquires Tekever AR5 drones for maritime surveillance

Published Aug 11, 10:09 AM UTC

Tekever has signed a contract with the Portuguese Air Force to supply its AR5 uncrewed aircraft for maritime surveillance, with delivery and initial operational capability scheduled for September 2026. The deal includes the aircraft, a ground control station, the ATLAS mission system, and operator training. The drones will monitor Portugal's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), one of Europe's largest, and support missions including coastal security, environmental protection, and rural firefighting. The AR5 is a medium-altitude long-endurance fixed-wing drone with up to 20 hours endurance, 50kg payload, satellite communications, and short-strip capability. Tekever's drones are also used by the UK Home Office for English Channel surveillance and by Ukraine for reconnaissance in contested electromagnetic environments. The Portuguese Air Force currently operates P-3 Orion and C-295 maritime patrol aircraft; the AR5 is intended to add persistent, lower-cost surveillance capability.