The Defence Secretary has confirmed that the UK’s largest drone production facility will open in Swindon in 2026, creating 1,000 skilled jobs and strengthening Britain’s sovereign defence manufacturing base. Operated by Tekever, the new hub will be located in The Spectrum Building, the Grade II* listed landmark designed by Sir Norman Foster and featured in the 1984 James Bond film A View to a Kill.
The 254,000 square foot facility will undergo major refurbishment before opening in summer 2026. Once operational, it will support the full production lifecycle of Tekever platforms, from rapid prototyping to scaled manufacturing and research and development. It will mark the first time the larger AR5 unmanned aerial system will be produced in the UK, alongside expanded manufacturing of the AR3 platform, including the new AR3 EVO variant launched at DSEI this year.
The investment forms part of Tekever’s £400 million Overmatch programme, a five-year initiative aimed at creating over 1,000 skilled jobs and accelerating innovation in artificial intelligence and autonomy for unmanned systems. The company said the Swindon site was strategically chosen to take advantage of the region’s growing role in drone activity and its strong transport links between London and Bristol. The facility will be supported by nearby infrastructure at Wroughton and the Wiltshire Microlight Centre, where validation flights will be carried out, completing the production supply chain.
The announcement follows sustained UK government investment in Tekever platforms. The Royal Air Force confirmed a further £19 million order for AR3 StormShroud drones earlier this year, while since 2022 the UK has purchased approximately £270 million of Tekever systems for use in Ukraine. These have played a significant role in targeting advanced Russian air defence assets. The new Swindon site will expand domestic capacity for both UK and allied requirements, providing opportunities for subcontractors in advanced materials, electronics, systems integration and testing.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the facility demonstrates how defence investment supports growth while strengthening supply chains. He said Tekever’s expansion underlines the government’s commitment to making defence an engine of economic development and national security.
Karl Brew, Head of Tekever’s Defence Unit, described the move as a commitment to transforming the UK defence industry into a global powerhouse, highlighting the company’s intention to draw on local and regional talent. Swindon North MP Will Stone said the development would help establish a “drone cluster of excellence” in the town, while Swindon Borough Council welcomed the decision as an endorsement of its drive to attract high-tech employers.
For suppliers, Tekever’s decision signals sustained demand for specialised components, sub-systems and services across the drone supply chain, supporting both domestic capability and international programmes.
