Portugese TEKEVER Upgrades Drones Based on Ukraine War Experience, Developers Say

Portuguese drone manufacturer TEKEVER is enhancing its unmanned aerial systems (UAS) based on battlefield experience gained from Ukraine’s full-scale war, the company announced at the Defense Innovation Forum 2025 on February 26.

A company representative highlighted that Ukraine extensively utilizes TEKEVER’s AR3 and AR5 drone systems, which are continuously improved through direct feedback from Ukrainian specialists.

According to TEKEVER, Russia’s war against Ukraine has created the most complex electronic warfare (EW) environment in history. This has driven the company to develop new technological solutions that enhance drone resilience against enemy EW systems, GPS jamming, and spoofing attacks.

TEKEVER has also expanded its collaboration with Ukrainian manufacturers and was a key sponsor of the "Offensive of Machines 2.0" hackathon, supporting both Ukrainian and European defense innovation. Initially, Ukrainian drone operators were trained abroad, but as demand grew, TEKEVER expanded its presence in Ukraine, focusing on operator training and technical support for unmanned systems.

The AR3 is a reconnaissance drone designed for land and maritime operations, featuring vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. It has a wingspan of 3.5 meters, a length of 1.9 meters, and a total weight of 25 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 4 kilograms.

Depending on the launch method, the AR3 can remain airborne for up to 8 hours (VTOL) or 16 hours (catapult launch). It reaches a maximum flight altitude of 3,600 meters, has a communication range of 100 kilometers, and cruises at speeds between 75 and 90 kilometers per hour.

The AR5 is a larger operational and tactical-level drone designed for reconnaissance missions over land and sea. It has a wingspan of 7 meters, a length of 4 meters, and a total weight of 170 kilograms, with a payload capacity of up to 50 kilograms. Built for long-endurance missions, it can stay in the air for up to 20 hours and cruise at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.

Previously, it was reported that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has destroyed 1,676 Russian drones since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with the majority being reconnaissance models, including “Superkam,” “Zala,” “Orlan,” and others.

Save The Heroes

A life-defining fundraiser for 5 armored medevacs that are needed on the frontline right now

Donate