TEKEVER says it has inaugurated its Cahors factory in France and presented the first AR3 system to be delivered to the French armed forces. The company says the site anchors a 200 million euro investment plan in France, and that the first 15 systems are planned before the end of 2026.
The release, as issued by TEKEVER
TEKEVER inaugurates Cahors factory and unveils the first system to be delivered to the French armed forces
Local production of AR3 and AR5 models is underway.
Seven-year agreement with France’s defence procurement agency covers AR3 systems, training and support.
Cahors factory is central to the €200 million investment plan in France.
TEKEVER today officially inaugurated its Cahors factory and marked the presentation of the first AR3 system to be delivered to the French Armed Forces under the SDLRAT (Système de Drones Légers de Renseignement d’Appui Tactique) programme. With production of the AR3 and AR5 already underway, the factory provides a French industrial base to support national defence requirements and strengthen Europe’s industrial capacity.
The AR3 system presented is part of TEKEVER’s seven-year contract with the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), France’s defence procurement agency. The programme covers AR3 EVO tactical uncrewed aerial systems, training and support. Delivery of the initial 15 systems is planned before the end of 2026.
The configuration selected for the programme integrates payloads from French companies MERIO (IMINT/ROIM – imagery intelligence) and AVANTIX (SIGINT/ROEM – signals intelligence). It will provide aerial reconnaissance, imagery intelligence and signals intelligence to help French forces understand their operating environment and inform operational decisions across land and maritime missions.
Presented in February, the Cahors factory has already started production of AR3 and AR5 systems. The facility will also host a Space Lab, due to be set up in 2027. Its proximity to Cahors-Lalbenque aerodrome brings production and testing together, facilitating the development and adaptation of systems to operational requirements.
Cahors is a central part of TEKEVER’s €200 million 2025-2030 investment plan in France, announced at Choose France. In one and a half years, TEKEVER has already created almost half of the 200 highly skilled jobs planned. Together with TEKEVER’s French headquarters in Toulouse, the factory strengthens the company’s presence in the French aerospace and defence ecosystem and supports local expertise in industrial production, research and development.
Ricardo Mendes, CEO of TEKEVER: “We are committed to France and to Europe’s ability to provide for its own security. Cahors is the industrial foundation of this commitment. We are investing in French production and skills and working with French partners to build capability that evolves with the needs of the forces using it.”
Nadia Maaref, General Manager of TEKEVER France: “Cahors is the result of sustained work with French authorities and local partners. The support of the Occitanie Region, AD’OCC and Grand Cahors has helped us turn this project into an operating factory. Through our industrial presence in the country and our work with local partners, we are building the capabilities and support needed to serve France over the long term.”
Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans: “The opening of this factory reflects France’s ambition for a European defence industry that can design, manufacture and support the equipment our armed forces need. It is an achievement for our regions and a step forward for our industrial sovereignty and strategic autonomy. The nature of warfare has changed, and our defence industry must be able to adapt quickly to the operational needs of our forces. Being able to rely on Europe’s own industrial capabilities and expertise preserves our freedom to decide and act.”
Sébastien Martin, Minister Delegate for Industry: “The investment announced at the latest Choose France summit is becoming a reality, with more than 200 jobs set to be created. The opening of TEKEVER’s site in Cahors is the result of the industrial policy we pursue every day. The project moved quickly from the investment decision into production, creating highly skilled jobs and forging strong links between businesses and local training providers. It strengthens Occitanie’s industrial base and builds lasting expertise in France in a strategic and growing sector.”
Carole Delga, President of the Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée Region: “Last February, we got our first look at what would become TEKEVER’s production site. Today, we are officially opening a factory that is already up and running, ready to welcome around 100 employees by the end of 2027! TEKEVER’s decision to set up here, in the heart of the Lot, is clear evidence of the appeal of Occitanie and its industrial communities. It is a cause I champion tirelessly in every part of our region. With the Region’s support through its economic development agency, Ad’Occ, TEKEVER chose to invest in an area with a promising future and manufacture its drones here, creating 200 jobs over the next three to five years. The new site is fully in line with our strategy for industrial sovereignty and strengthens Occitanie’s place in Europe’s drone manufacturing ecosystem. Today, we celebrate the start of a new industrial venture. The Region will support TEKEVER at every stage as operations at this new site scale up, and in its wider activities across Occitanie”.
