The new Cahors site enters its transformation phase to support TEKEVER’s drone production and space activities in France
Cahors, 5 February 2026 – TEKEVER, the pan-European leader in AI-enabled autonomous systems, today announced the pre-inauguration of its new industrial site in Cahors, attended by around one hundred participants, including the President of the Occitanie Region, local authorities, representatives of the French Armed Forces and key stakeholders from the national industrial ecosystem.
Announced just five months ago, the Cahors site illustrates TEKEVER’s ability to swiftly translate strategic commitments into concrete industrial delivery. The first drones produced on site are expected before summer 2026, followed by a progressive ramp-up towards full operational capacity.
Designed to enable rapid and flexible industrial development, the 4,500 m² site is currently undergoing transformation. In the initial phase, it will host end-of-line production activities, including the assembly, integration and testing of unmanned aerial vehicles. By the end of summer 2026, its capabilities will progressively expand to cover the full spectrum of production operations.
The facilities will accommodate the production and testing of TEKEVER’s flagship dual-use AR3 and AR5 drone platforms, intended for security and defence applications. The site will also host TEKEVER’s space AIT activities, with a particular focus on its recognised excellence in radiofrequency technologies.
Designed to provide a high degree of flexibility, the site aims to meet the growing demand for sovereign defence and security capabilities, strengthen the French and European industrial base in the fields of drones and space, and support TEKEVER’s future industrial growth. Building on programmes such as DESIR and ATLARCTIC, its multi-year contract with EMSA, and several memoranda of understanding signed with national partners, TEKEVER is rapidly expanding its industrial footprint in France to address rising operational requirements.
This pre-inauguration marks a new phase in TEKEVER’s accelerated expansion in France, following the announcement made at Choose France 2025 of a €100 million investment over five years, including the development of the Cahors site. The selection of Cahors Sud follows a support process led by the Occitanie Region, through its economic development agency AD’OCC, and by Grand Cahors. The programme provides for the creation of 100 skilled jobs in France, including 20 to 40 positions to be filled in Cahors from 2026 onwards through a phased recruitment campaign.
Nadia Maaref, Managing Director of TEKEVER France, said:
“The Cahors site perfectly reflects TEKEVER’s industrial approach: fast, pragmatic and focused on operational delivery. Thanks to the many strengths of the former Exhibition Centre and the strong support of local and regional stakeholders, we were able to move rapidly from announcement to execution. This pre-inauguration symbolises a key milestone, as the site will become operational in the coming months. It will support both our drone and space activities, while remaining scalable to meet the future needs of our partners and customers.”
Jean-Luc Marx, President of Grand Cahors and Mayor of Cahors, added:
“After less than a year of support within the territory, this first milestone marks the local anchoring of TEKEVER’s industrial project and the beginning of a new momentum for Grand Cahors. The upcoming recruitment phases represent a major step for TEKEVER and a unique opportunity for our local labour market. We once again thank this pan-European company and its leadership for their trust.”
Carole Delga, President of the Occitanie Region, concluded:
“TEKEVER’s establishment at the heart of the Lot confirms the attractiveness of Occitanie and its industrial territories. Thanks to the Region’s support, via AD’OCC, the company has chosen to invest in a territory of the future, with the creation of 100 jobs over five years. This project is fully aligned with our industrial sovereignty strategy and strengthens Occitanie’s position within the European drone manufacturing ecosystem. The Region will continue to support TEKEVER in ramping up this future site, whose first drones will be produced in mid-2026, and more broadly across the region.”
Cahors becomes TEKEVER’s second site in France, following the opening of its Toulouse office in 2024. The company selected Cahors for its capacity for rapid deployment, supported by existing infrastructure, immediate proximity to Cahors-Lalbenque aerodrome and low population density, facilitating test flights and validation operations. Ideally located between Toulouse’s aeronautics ecosystem and the industrial hub of the Mecanic Vallée, the Cahors site is optimally positioned to support TEKEVER’s fast and integrated industrial model, while contributing to local and regional economic development.