The UK Ministry of Defence has selected Tekever’s AR5 uncrewed aerial system to replace the British Army’s Watchkeeper WK450 fleet under Project Corvus. The programme follows a failed tender process and will see the new system move into service later in 2026, subject to contract signature and final approvals.
The deal is described as worth up to £400 million over 10 years, with an initial order for six aircraft and a plan to field up to 24 by 2029. Support is expected to run for at least five years, with options to extend, while the aircraft will be built at Tekever’s Swindon plant, which is not yet open.
The order comes as Watchkeeper’s out-of-service date has already been pushed back to March 2027, making the replacement important for restoring and modernising the Army’s tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. The Ministry of Defence has framed the move as a way to improve battlefield intelligence, troop protection and decision-making while supporting UK industrial activity through domestic manufacture.