Pan-European autonomous-systems specialist TEKEVER has signed a contract with the Portuguese Air Force to supply the AR5 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system, the company announced on August 11, 2026. Under Decree No. 13722/2025 the Air Force is authorized to commit up to approximately €7.8 million across 2025 and 2026 for a Class 2 UAS package that also includes a ground control station, TEKEVER's ATLAS mission software, operator training and a knowledge-transfer program.
First delivery, initial operational capability by September
TEKEVER says delivery of the systems and initial operational capability (IOC) are scheduled for September 2026, with the first tranche of Air Force personnel training concluding in the same month. A second training phase in October is intended to consolidate full operational readiness. The AR5 will be operated directly by the Portuguese Air Force rather than as a contractor-operated service.
Maritime surveillance, EEZ patrol and firefighting support
The Air Force plans to deploy the AR5 for maritime surveillance, security and defense missions; monitoring of Portugal's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); and public-interest missions including support for the Special Rural Firefighting Unit (DECIR), coastal security and environmental protection.
Tenente-Coronel Luís Henriques, Operational Coordinator of the Portuguese Air Force's AR5 Working Group, said the platform 'meets current surveillance, security and defense requirements, providing greater range, endurance and operational flexibility' and will strengthen Portugal's capacity to monitor its EEZ.
The AR5 platform
The AR5 is a fixed-wing MALE UAS with up to 20 hours of endurance, a 50 kg payload capacity, an ~8 m wingspan and a mass of roughly 200 kg. Satellite datalinks (SATCOM) enable beyond-radio-line-of-sight (BRLOS) operations, and the platform can operate from short or unprepared runways. TEKEVER systems have accumulated tens of thousands of flight hours across coastal patrol, persistent surveillance, border protection and search-and-rescue missions for customers including the UK Home Office and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
Pedro Petiz, Director for Portugal at TEKEVER, said the contract 'puts an autonomous capability developed and produced in Portugal to work in protecting our airspace and maritime territory,' and that TEKEVER will cooperate with the Air Force 'to consolidate and develop its own operational capability.' TEKEVER systems are also currently in operation in Ukraine, conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Europe doubles down on sovereign UAS
The Portuguese deal is the latest in a wave of European MALE-class UAS procurements as governments respond to Ukraine-driven demand signals and NATO's new capability targets. It follows TEKEVER's 2024 unicorn round at a €1 billion valuation and its ongoing expansion in the UK, France, the US and Estonia.
Reporting based on coverage from TEKEVER, FlightGlobal, Airforce Technology, sUAS News and Ukrainska Pravda.