TEKEVER has signed a contract with the Portuguese Air Force to supply its AR5 autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for maritime surveillance, security and defense missions.
The contract covers the delivery of the AR5 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) aircraft, Ground Control Stations and TEKEVER’s ATLAS mission system. The Portuguese Air Force is expected to achieve initial operational capability with the system in September 2026.
The AR5 can remain airborne for up to 20 hours and carry payloads of up to 50 kg. Its integrated satellite communications capability supports operations beyond radio line of sight (BRLOS), while its ability to operate from short or unprepared runways allows deployment from a wider range of locations.
The Portuguese Air Force will use the aircraft to monitor the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and support coastal security missions. The UAS will also be used for public-interest activities, including rural firefighting and environmental protection.
TEKEVER will provide training and knowledge transfer as part of the deployment. The initial training phase is scheduled to be completed alongside aircraft delivery in September, followed by a second phase in October aimed at establishing full operational capability.
Tenente-Coronel Luís Henriques, Operational Coordinator of the Portuguese Air Force’s AR5 Working Group, 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 defense 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.”
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Pedro Petiz, Director for Portugal at TEKEVER, said, “This contract puts an autonomous capability developed and produced in Portugal to work in protecting our airspace and maritime territory. In addition to supplying the aircraft, we will cooperate with the Portuguese Air Force to consolidate and develop its own operational capability, which will strengthen national autonomy, readiness, and response capacity.”
The AR5 has accumulated operational experience in coastal patrol, border protection, search and rescue, and persistent surveillance missions. TEKEVER said its systems have also been used by organisations including the UK Home Office and the European Maritime Safety Agency.
