The unit, already operational, employs around 50 people — a number the company aims to double by early 2026.
Covering 3,000 m², the new Leiria site was chosen for its proximity to academic institutions and the industrial ecosystem, with which Tekever has long-standing collaborations, the company stated in a LinkedIn post.
Tekever particularly highlights its partnership with the Polytechnic of Leiria in initiatives such as Formula Student, through the Leiria Academic Racing Team (LART). This reflects the company's commitment to nurturing young talent and training the next generation of engineers.
The company explains that the new facility in Leiria hosts "highly specialised engineering teams" focused on technological innovation, from developing critical components to conducting tests and trials.
Tekever now employs more than 1,000 people in Portugal, with a presence in Caldas da Rainha, Leiria, Ponte de Sor, Lisbon and Porto, as well as in the United Kingdom and France.
It is worth noting that Tekever's investment in autonomous systems has recently gained further momentum with the acquisition of West Wales Airport in the United Kingdom.
According to the company, the infrastructure will be transformed into a national centre for testing and validating unmanned aerial systems, serving the UK government, its NATO partners, and the defence industry.
Tekever had already been operating at the airport since 2023, and the acquisition is part of the OVERMATCH programme — a £400 million development plan announced in May, aimed at transforming the UK defence industry.
Covering 3,000 m², the new Leiria site was chosen for its proximity to academic institutions and the industrial ecosystem, with which Tekever has long-standing collaborations, the company stated in a LinkedIn post.
Tekever particularly highlights its partnership with the Polytechnic of Leiria in initiatives such as Formula Student, through the Leiria Academic Racing Team (LART). This reflects the company's commitment to nurturing young talent and training the next generation of engineers.
The company explains that the new facility in Leiria hosts "highly specialised engineering teams" focused on technological innovation, from developing critical components to conducting tests and trials.
Tekever now employs more than 1,000 people in Portugal, with a presence in Caldas da Rainha, Leiria, Ponte de Sor, Lisbon and Porto, as well as in the United Kingdom and France.
It is worth noting that Tekever's investment in autonomous systems has recently gained further momentum with the acquisition of West Wales Airport in the United Kingdom.
According to the company, the infrastructure will be transformed into a national centre for testing and validating unmanned aerial systems, serving the UK government, its NATO partners, and the defence industry.
Tekever had already been operating at the airport since 2023, and the acquisition is part of the OVERMATCH programme — a £400 million development plan announced in May, aimed at transforming the UK defence industry.
