Tekever has secured a deal to supply uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), marking another step in the European defence technology company’s expansion into the US market.
Announced on Monday, the purchase follows an extensive programme of flight trials, validation and acceptance testing carried out at multiple locations. Tekever said the process also included dedicated training activities involving USSOCOM personnel, but the company has not disclosed the value of the contract, the number of aircraft purchased, or which models have been selected.
The systems are designed to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in demanding operational environments where timely intelligence can be critical.
Tekever’s aircraft combine mission-specific sensors, communications equipment and AI-enabled software to support surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions. Their modular design allows payloads to be adapted to different operational requirements.
The procurement is another significant development for Tekever, which has been expanding its international defence business and already maintains a presence in Fayetteville, North Carolina, close to Fort Bragg, a major centre for US special operations.
It also follows a period of substantial investment in the company. In September, Tekever raised $580 million in a Series D funding round, valuing the business at $6.4 billion. The funding, backed by investors including Baillie Gifford and UC Investments, is intended to support international expansion, increased manufacturing capacity and further development of its autonomous systems.
The company has also secured a contract worth up to £400 million to supply its AR5 surveillance drones to the British Army under the CORVUS programme, replacing the ageing Watchkeeper fleet.
Ricardo Mendes, CEO of Tekever, described the USSOCOM agreement as an important milestone in a relationship developed through testing and close engagement with the US military.
“This procurement represents an important milestone in a relationship that has been built over time through rigorous testing, open dialogue and a clear focus on delivering effective capability,” Mendes said. “We greatly value the professionalism and engagement of the USSOCOM personnel with whom we have worked, and look forward to continuing to support their evolving requirements.”
Tekever said feedback gathered during the flight programme had helped refine its systems, with operational data informing improvements throughout testing.
Although the scale of the US purchase remains unclear, the agreement adds another major military customer to Tekever’s growing portfolio as it seeks to establish itself as a supplier of autonomous surveillance technology on both sides of the Atlantic.
