Swindon & Wiltshire News
UK’s biggest drone factory to open in Swindon
The UK’s biggest drone factory is to open in Swindon – bringing 1,000 skilled manufacturing jobs and securing the future of one of the UK’s most iconic buildings.
The opening of the new factory, operated by Tekever, was announced today (Monday) by the Defence Secretary John Healey on a visit to the site.
The factory is expected to open in 2026 and will position Swindon as a centre for UK drone manufacturing.
The 254,000 square foot site will support the full drone production lifecycle – from rapid prototyping to manufacturing and research and development.
It will bring core production of the AR5 unmanned aerial system to the UK for the first time, while scaling up existing work on the AR3 platform.
Mr Healey said: “This new factory is a clear demonstration that this government is making defence an engine for growth across the UK.
“Tekever’s expansion will bring high-skilled jobs and world-leading drone manufacturing to Swindon, while strengthening defence supply chains.
“By backing Britain’s defence industry, we strengthen both our economy and national security.”
Karl Brew, director of Tekever Defence, said: “Our decision to establish a new facility in Swindon reflects Tekever’s commitment to the UK and to the ambitions of the £400 million Overmatch programme.
“The site will play a central role in the production of our new AR3 EVO system and in creating up to 1,000 highly skilled jobs over the next five years.
“This investment will ensure we deliver advanced, sovereign capability at pace and in close partnership with the UK defence ecosystem.”
Swindon North MP Will Stone was key in persuading Tekever to come to Swindon.
“I’m incredibly proud that Tekever have chosen Swindon as their next expansion in the UK.” said Mr Stone (pictured left).
“It’s been a pleasure to work with the team at Tekever as well as Swindon Borough Council to highlight what makes our town the best possible place for such an impressive company to deliver their UR3 and UR5 UAS.
“This work continues my aim of bringing a Drone Cluster of excellence to Swindon focussed on high skilled and well-paid jobs whilst also linking this with education opportunities for young people in the town.”
Scott McClelland, deputy director of Tekever (pictured right), said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Will Stone MP, his support has been key for us setting up our manufacturing hub in Swindon.
“Tekever is proud to be creating new jobs whilst building sovereign capability in the UK, strengthening our national security and putting Swindon firmly on the map as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing.”
Swindon Borough Council also worked on the deal.
Council leader Jim Robbins said: “It has been a real team effort to secure this investment. We’ve been working really closely with Swindon North MP Will Stone, the Science Museum Group, Whitmarsh Lockhart and the Department for Business and Trade to showcase Swindon’s strategic strengths and innovation potential to get this deal over the line.
“I am personally delighted that Tekever has chosen the iconic Spectrum building as the home of its largest UK site and that it will conduct UAV testing and pilot training at the Science and Innovation Park in Wroughton, further embedding its presence within the Borough.”
The deal also secures the future of the iconic Spectrum building. Designed by Sir Norman Foster for Renault, the Grade II* listed architectural gem featured in the James Bond film A View to a Kill.
Tekever is the fourth drone company to announce it will be investing in Swindon after Flyby Technology, Munin Dynamics, and STARK.
