Overview

• Tekever confirmed a 254,000-square-foot Swindon facility targeting a 2026 opening, with final planning underway and site work due to begin soon.
• The plant will bring AR5 drone manufacturing to Britain for the first time and expand AR3 output, with the site also set to take on the RAF’s StormShroud capability.
• Company plans indicate around 1,000 UK jobs over five years, with hundreds based in Swindon and links to local colleges and apprenticeships.
• Local reporting identifies the Grade II-listed Spectrum building as the location, with production expected to start by next summer.
• The announcement follows increased UK defence spending and roughly £270m in Tekever drone purchases for Ukraine, alongside a reported £400m investment in UK production over five years.