The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has purchased unmanned aerial systems from TEKEVER following an extensive programme of validation, acceptance testing and operator training. The systems are intended to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in demanding operational environments.
TEKEVER has secured a new procurement from the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), marking a further step in the company’s expansion in the US defence market.
According to the company, the selected unmanned aerial systems completed a validation and acceptance programme that included extensive flight testing at several locations as well as dedicated training activities.
TEKEVER did not disclose the number of systems purchased, their specific model or the configuration selected by USSOCOM.
Focus on deployable ISR
The systems are designed to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, in demanding operational environments. TEKEVER says the UAS architecture combines the air vehicle, mission-specific payloads, communications equipment and AI-enabled mission software within a single integrated system.
The modular design allows payloads and other mission elements to be adapted to different operational requirements while retaining a common platform architecture. For special operations forces, such flexibility can be particularly important where systems need to be deployed quickly, operate with relatively small teams and support a broad range of reconnaissance and surveillance tasks.
Testing feeds directly into development
TEKEVER places particular emphasis on continuous iteration during system development. According to the company, data and operator feedback from each flight cycle are used to refine hardware and software and to adapt the systems to changing operational requirements.
This development model is supported by a vertically integrated structure covering engineering, manufacturing, software, artificial intelligence and operational support. TEKEVER argues that this allows changes identified during testing or operational use to be incorporated more quickly than in more fragmented development and production structures.
Long-term relationship with US special operations forces
TEKEVER CEO Ricardo Mendes described the procurement as an important milestone in a relationship that had developed through testing and engagement with USSOCOM personnel.
The company has an established presence in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where it supports its activities with US defence and security customers. The new purchase therefore represents more than an isolated delivery. It also reinforces TEKEVER’s effort to establish a long-term position in the US market, particularly within the special operations community.
Expanding industrial footprint
TEKEVER develops autonomous systems with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and vertically integrated production. Its in-house capabilities include airframe engineering and manufacturing, propulsion, optical and radio-frequency payloads, communications, avionics, software and data science.
The company employs more than 1,500 people and operates facilities across Portugal, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Estonia and Ukraine. For USSOCOM, however, the most relevant aspect of the procurement is the operational capability being acquired: a deployable UAS designed to deliver persistent aerial intelligence while allowing mission systems and software to evolve as requirements change.
Source: TEKEVER
