UK to build drone factory in Swindon, creating 1,000 high-skilled jobs

A major new drone production facility is set to open in Swindon, bringing 1,000 high-skilled jobs and boosting sovereign manufacturing in the UK. Operated by Tekever, the factory was formally announced by Defence Secretary John Healey during a visit to the site.

Scheduled to open in 2026, the 254,000 square foot facility will establish Swindon as a hub for advanced drone manufacturing. The site will support the full production lifecycle of unmanned aerial systems — from rapid prototyping to manufacturing and R&D — and marks Tekever’s largest UK investment to date, Caliber.Az reports, citing UK Ministry of Defence.

"This new factory is a clear demonstration that this government is making defence an engine for growth across the UK," said Defence Secretary John Healey.

"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."

The new factory will also bring core production of Tekever’s AR5 unmanned aerial systems to the UK for the first time, while scaling up work on the AR3 platform, including the Royal Air Force’s StormShroud capability. Swindon’s selection continues the town’s historic contribution to UK defence — dating back to World War II, when it played a key role in producing the Supermarine Spitfire.

This move aligns with the Government’s broader Defence Industrial Strategy, aimed at using defence spending as a catalyst for national economic growth. Government investment in UK defence industries reached £31.7 billion last year, with a further £19 million pledged in May for the RAF’s AR3 StormShroud drones.

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."

The factory builds on Tekever’s recent acquisition of West Wales Airport and serves as a key milestone in its Strategic Investment Programme OVERMATCH, designed to accelerate innovation in AI and autonomy.

By Vafa Guliyeva