A world-leading and pioneering defence and security technology business that now owns its own airport has credited early support from Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) with helping establish its UK journey.

TEKEVER said FAC played an important role in supporting the company in its early stages, helping it access the backing needed to develop software capabilities that would go on to support its growth.

TEKEVER is a pan-European technology company driving innovation in defence and security through AI-centric autonomous systems.

The company established its first UK office in Southampton and has since expanded its presence to Bath and London, with Bristol set to follow.

It owns West Wales Airport and is preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing hub in Swindon, where it will produce its pioneering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced systems.

TEKEVER’s systems have been proven in demanding operational environments, providing critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability and supporting complex defence and security missions.

What began as a small UK team has grown into a significant national presence as part of TEKEVER’s wider international business.

Recently, Alan Fisher, FAC’s CEO, visited the business to see first-hand how far the company had come.

He said: “We were pleased to support TEKEVER in its early stages in the UK, and it is remarkable to see how far the company has progressed."

“It underlines the importance of backing innovative start-ups and SMEs, helping them turn strong ideas, technical talent and ambition into globally relevant businesses.

“At FAC we support our members in a range of ways, and TEKEVER’s growth is a powerful example of what can be achieved. We work across the aerospace, aviation, defence and space sectors, and their supply chains, and it is always encouraging to see companies develop and thrive.”

Paul Webb, one of the two original founders of TEKEVER’s UK business, said: “TEKEVER is a Portuguese company and, together with my colleague Ricardo Mendes, we launched it in the UK because we could see its extraordinary potential."

“In the early days, support from FAC helped us build momentum and develop key software capabilities, including technology that made it easier for operators to work with unmanned aircraft systems."

“That early support helped lay the foundations for where we are today. Since then, TEKEVER has grown significantly in the UK and we are now delivering a long-term programme of investment through OVERMATCH, our commitment to expanding sovereign capability, industrial capacity and high-skilled employment in the UK."

“We now design and produce our own UAVs, and West Wales Airport plays an important strategic role in that wider effort."

“It is a place where we can test systems, train operators, demonstrate capabilities to customers and support broader collaboration across the sector."

“We are also preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing site in Swindon, which reflects the scale of our long-term ambition in the UK and the next phase of that OVERMATCH journey."

“Our software continues to evolve and has potential application across a wider range of autonomous systems.”

Photo: (l-r) Alan Fisher, FAC, Paul Webb, TEKEVER, Alan Maskell, FAC