Tekever opens Germany base after first Bundeswehr delivery

Portuguese drone maker Tekever has opened an operation in Germany after making its first delivery to the Bundeswehr, in a move that expands its presence in one of Europe’s fastest-growing defence markets. The new unit, based in Munich, will serve as the company’s hub for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The German operation starts with a 15-person team, mostly engineers, according to company information provided to ECO/eRadar. Tekever said the Munich base will combine engineering, business development and customer relations, while supporting local partnerships with industrial, technology and research groups.

Tekever said the Bundeswehr has already received its first unmanned aerial system from the company, the AR6, a heavy-lift platform that will be used to assess the operational benefits of long-endurance autonomous capabilities. Chief executive Ricardo Mendes said the launch of Tekever Germany reflects a long-term commitment to the country and is intended to create a lasting base for regional growth, collaboration and investment.

The company did not disclose a planned investment amount for Germany. It said its approach is to invest early, prove capability, build relationships and expand as customer demand grows, following the model it says it has used in the UK and France.

The move comes shortly after Tekever completed a first close of a funding round worth more than €500 million, according to ECO’s earlier reporting. It also adds to the company’s wider expansion across Europe and North America as defence spending and demand for autonomous systems rise.

Originally published at Eco.pt