Defence drone company opens its biggest UK site

Tekever says it makes defence drones for surveillance and intelligence

A defence drone company has opened its biggest UK site, where it says it will make drones for surveillance and intelligence.

Tekever - which has its main bases in Portugal and UK - is the latest drone company to announce a site in Swindon in Wiltshire.

The company's new facility is based in a Grade II listed building, where Tekever says it will produce one of its largest drones in the UK for the first time, and increase production of another.

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, described the company's decision as a "huge endorsement" for the town and efforts to get businesses into the area.

"We look forward to showcasing Swindon's strategic strengths and innovation potential so we build a strong reputation as a national leader in defence manufacturing" he added.

Tekever's new site will be its fourth in the UK, joining other drone companies Stark and Munin Dynamics in the town.

Last week, drone company DSEI Flyby also announced it wanted to set up in Swindon, with its CEO Jon Parker saying the town was "on a new trajectory and Flyby wants to be a significant part of that".

Tekever said it wanted to help develop young, local talent for its workforce in Wiltshire.

MP for Swindon North, Will Stone, said he was "incredibly proud" it had chosen to open a base in the town.

He added he wanted a "drone cluster of excellence" to be established in Swindon, which would create "highly skilled, well-paid jobs while also fostering new education and training opportunities for young people".