Swindon has secured another major win in the race to become Britain’s hub for drone technology, as leading defence manufacturer Tekever opens its largest UK site in the town.
The Portuguese and UK-based company has officially unveiled its new facility inside a Grade II listed building in Wiltshire. From there, Tekever says it will produce one of its largest drones on British soil for the first time, while also ramping up production of another model already in service. Both aircraft are designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, making them vital assets in the modern defence sector.
Local leaders have welcomed the news, hailing it as both a vote of confidence in Swindon and a potential driver of new jobs and training opportunities.
Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, described Tekever’s investment as a “huge endorsement” of the town’s growing reputation in defence technology. “We look forward to showcasing Swindon’s strategic strengths and innovation potential so we build a strong reputation as a national leader in defence manufacturing,” he said.
The Swindon site will be Tekever’s third in the UK, underlining the company’s commitment to expanding its British operations. It also places Tekever at the heart of what many are now calling a developing ‘drone cluster’ in Wiltshire.
Rivals Stark and Munin Dynamics already operate from the town, while just last week drone specialist DSEI Flyby confirmed plans to establish its own base in Swindon. Flyby’s chief executive, Jon Parker, declared the town was “on a new trajectory” and said his company wanted to play a significant role in its future.
As the cluster grows, Tekever says it is determined to invest not only in facilities but also in people. The firm has pledged to develop young, local talent to support its Swindon workforce, with the aim of creating pathways into highly skilled technical roles.
North Swindon MP Will Stone said he was “incredibly proud” the company had chosen to set up shop in the area. He added that Tekever’s arrival could act as a catalyst for further investment and job creation, helping to establish a “drone cluster of excellence” in Swindon. Such a development, he argued, would provide “highly skilled, well-paid jobs while also fostering new education and training opportunities for young people.”
With multiple firms now anchoring themselves in Swindon, the town is positioning itself as one of the UK’s most important centres for defence drone technology. The combination of historic architecture and cutting-edge manufacturing may seem unlikely at first glance, but for Swindon’s leaders, the message is clear: the future of British defence innovation is ready for take-off right here in Wiltshire.
