Acquisition marks a step forward in TEKEVER’s £400m OVERMATCH programme. West Wales Airport to become a national hub for the testing and evaluation of unmanned systems
TEKEVER, Europe’s leading provider of AI-driven Autonomous Systems, today announces the acquisition of West Wales Airport (WWA) in Aberporth. A world-class UAS flying environment, West Wales Airport offers a key hub for UAS testing, evaluation and provides TEKEVER and its partner ecosystem access to 2,500 square miles of restricted airspace over land and sea.
TEKEVER has operated at West Wales Airport since 2023, testing and evaluating advanced unmanned systems for domestic and international customers. The site has been central to TEKEVER’s research and development efforts, enabling the development of TEKEVER AR3’s full lifecycle R&D in the UK. The airport’s facilities have also supported test flights for customers including the UK Home Office and Royal Navy.
The acquisition marks a milestone in TEKEVER’s £400m development programme for the UK, known as OVERMATCH, aimed at delivering competitive advantage through autonomous, AI-driven technology to UK and NATO armed forces. A key pillar of the strategy is NETWORK, which involves expanding high-quality and readily available testing and evaluation infrastructure, including new facilities built upon existing operations in the UK. As seen in recent deployments in Ukraine, rapid innovation cycles and access to real-world evaluation environments are critical to modern defence.
Under TEKEVER’s ownership, West Wales Airport will be expanded into a national hub for the testing and evaluation of unmanned systems. This site will be made accessible to UK government stakeholders, allied partners and industry collaborators and is set to become a cornerstone of the UK’s defence innovation ecosystem. The expansion will deliver long-term regional benefits, including the creation of skilled jobs and opportunities for local businesses and talent to contribute to next-generation defence technologies.
Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER, commented: “West Wales has long been central to our UK operations and global growth – allowing us to become part of thriving community, and have access to a fantastic infrastructure and amazing people. As defence spending rises and geopolitical threats grow, the demand for AI-driven autonomous systems is only increasing. Acquiring West Wales Airport strengthens our ability to meet that demand while advancing our OVERMATCH programme. This is just the beginning – we’re accelerating our investments and pushing forward at pace.”
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, commented: “TEKEVER is one of Europe’s leading and fastest growing companies in the unmanned aerial systems sector. Its acquisition of West Wales Airport in Ceredigion supports its ambitious expansion plans in the UK and will deliver significant benefits for the national defence ecosystem and regional economy of mid and west Wales alike.”