UAV maker Tekever opens new arm in Ukraine to enhance frontline support

European unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Tekever is opening a new arm of the business in Ukraine in partnership with the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, the Lisbon-headquartered company announced on 7 April 2025.

The move, according to Tekever, aims to bolster the company’s ongoing support for the Ukrainian armed forces and to enhance European defence capabilities by fostering innovation and talent emerging from the region.

The establishment of a local Ukrainian entity will enable Tekever to expand its workforce and network of facilities across Ukraine, which provide maintenance and engineering support for UAVs, research and development for new capabilities, and training sites to improve operational effectiveness for Ukrainian partners. The facilities are strategically located to enable access to the front line and other organisations supporting the defence effort in Ukraine and are designed to be mobile in the event of a security risk.

“The new arm will enable Tekever to foster and leverage the exceptional talent and innovation emerging in Ukraine in defence technology,” the company stated in a press release. “Not only is their expertise, resilience and resourcefulness vital for the defence of the country’s sovereignty, it is also fundamental for bolstering Europe’s defence capabilities.”

Tekever has been working closely with the Ukrainian armed forces following the Russian invasion there in 2022, deploying its UAVs for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions.

“Tekever has continuously adapted its systems based on feedback from the front line to ensure they remain highly effective and resilient under the most challenging electronic warfare conditions,” the company stated, noting that its AR3 UAV, which has a wingspan of 3.5 m and a payload capacity of 4 kg, has successfully completed over 10,000 operational flight hours in Ukraine, demonstrating combat-proven reliability and technical maturity.

“We have been proud to support Ukraine since the early stages of the Russian invasion in 2022 and remain committed to doing so,” stated Tekever CEO Ricardo Mendes. “We work closely with our end-users in Ukraine to ensure that our platforms and technologies provide them with the critical intelligence needed to fight this war and defend their country. This initiative will see Tekever significantly enhance the level of support for our Ukrainian partners.

“Ukraine has become a hub for defence and technology innovation throughout the war, and is home to the most resourceful and resilient talent pool. By formalising our presence in Ukraine, we will continue to invest in this talent and foster innovation that is vital for the defence of Ukraine and the future security of Europe overall.”

Mendes additionally noted that the geopolitical landscape “has shifted significantly in recent weeks, making European support for Ukraine even more vital. The steps we are taking to expand our presence in Ukraine reflect our recognition of this new reality and our commitment to leading the development of critical defence capabilities for Europe as a whole.”