Deliveries of the Tekever AR5 tactical uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to the British Army are scheduled to commence before the end of the year, according to FlightGlobal. This rollout marks the start of the Project Corvus deal, which is designed to modernize the military’s tactical surveillance capabilities.
The contract, which is expected to be finalized before the end of August, covers an initial term of at least five years with options for extension. While the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has valued the initial five-year arrangement at £136 million, the total potential value of the program could reach £400 million ($534 million) over an operational lifespan of up to 10 years.
Technical Specifications and Operational Data
The AR5 is a twin-engined aircraft designed to offer superior performance compared to the UTacS Watchkeeper platform it replaces. Production of the Corvus-program units will occur at Tekever’s manufacturing facility in Swindon, Wiltshire, utilizing a supply chain comprised of UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Training and flight evaluation activities are slated for the company's site at Aberporth, West Wales.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max Sensor Payload | 50kg (110lb) |
| Operational Endurance | Up to 20h |
| Total Flight Hours (Combat) | Over 50,000 |
| Contract Period (Initial) | 5 years |
| Total Potential Duration | Up to 10 years |
According to Tekever, the AR5 system has logged over 50,000 operational flight hours in Ukraine since 2022. The aircraft is designed to integrate emerging technologies via a continuous capability evolution model, which the manufacturer states will maintain full UK sovereign control. The system will provide round-the-clock intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data to assist in battlefield decision-making.
Transition from Legacy Systems
The current Watchkeeper platform, based on the Elbit Systems Hermes 450, is being phased out as the MoD considers it obsolete. The remaining Watchkeeper equipment is scheduled for full withdrawal by March 20. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting indicated that the investment in the AR5 serves to support deployed troops while fostering domestic re-industrialization and innovation.
Why It Matters
The shift to the AR5 platform signals a move toward modular, combat-tested drone technology that prioritizes agile software integration over static, proprietary systems. By moving production to a consortium of UK SMEs in Swindon, the British government is prioritizing supply chain security and sovereign control over military hardware. This transition away from the Elbit-derived Watchkeeper also demonstrates a strategic pivot toward systems that can be rapidly updated based on lessons learned in active conflict zones, a necessity in the modern era of attritional drone warfare.
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