Major jobs investment
A new drone production facility is set to open in Swindon, creating 1,000 skilled jobs and strengthening Britain’s defence industry.
Defence Secretary John Healey announced the project during a visit to the site, operated by Tekever, which will become the UK’s largest drone factory when it opens in 2026.
The 254,000 square foot site will support the full production lifecycle, from prototyping to research and development, and will bring the AR5 unmanned aerial system to the UK for the first time.
Defence and economic growth
The government said the move demonstrates its commitment to making defence an “engine for growth”, with £31.7 billion invested in UK defence industries last year. It follows the launch of the Defence Industrial Strategy and builds on £19 million of new RAF investment into Tekever’s AR3 StormShroud drones.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Britain has purchased around £270 million worth of Tekever drones, many supplied to Kyiv through the International Fund for Ukraine.
Local and national impact
Swindon’s history in defence manufacturing, including production of the Spitfire during World War Two, is seen as a fitting backdrop for the expansion. Healey said the factory would strengthen supply chains while boosting the local economy through apprenticeships and high-tech roles.
Tekever said the facility marks a critical step in its £400 million Strategic Investment Programme “Overmatch”, designed to accelerate innovation in AI and autonomous systems.
Karl Brew, Director of Tekever Defence, said the investment “will ensure we deliver advanced, sovereign capability at pace and in close partnership with the UK defence ecosystem.”
