Tekever has secured a contract to provide its AR5 uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to the Portuguese Air Force, with delivery and initial operational capability scheduled for this September.
The contract covers the provision of AR5 systems, a ground control station, and the ATLAS mission system, along with a two-phase training programme for Air Force personnel.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Initial training is set to be completed by September, coinciding with the arrival of the systems. A second phase in October will focus on consolidating operational readiness and expanding Air Force expertise using the new technology.
The AR5 platform is designed for medium-altitude, long-endurance missions and can remain aloft for up to 20 hours while carrying payloads of up to 50kg.
It features satellite communications to facilitate operations beyond radio line of sight and can be launched from short or unprepared runways, providing operational flexibility in a variety of environments, according to Tekever.
The Portuguese Air Force intends to deploy the AR5 systems for a range of applications, including maritime surveillance, monitoring the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, coastal security, and environmental protection.
The drones are also expected to support public interest missions such as firefighting operations in collaboration with the nation’s Special Rural Firefighting Unit.
Portuguese Air Force’s AR5 Working Group operational coordinator Tenente-Coronel Luís Henriques said: “The integration of the AR5 system represents a significant enhancement of the Portuguese Air Force’s operational capabilities.
“This platform meets current surveillance, security, and defence requirements, providing greater range, endurance, and operational flexibility.
“Its integration will strengthen the nation’s capacity to monitor the Exclusive Economic Zone and support a wide range of public interest missions, contributing to an Air Force that is better prepared to respond to present and future challenges.”
Tekever’s drone systems have previously accumulated thousands of operational flight hours across coastal patrol, border protection, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue tasks.
The company stated that its uncrewed platforms are used by European agencies, such as the UK Home Office and European Maritime Safety Agency, and have recently operated in Ukraine for surveillance and reconnaissance roles.
The UK has selected the AR5 to replace its existing Watchkeeper UAS fleet.
