A European drone that supported Ukraine in destroying billions of dollars’ worth of Russian military assets, including the advanced S-400 air defense system, could soon be made in Taiwan under a new defense partnership.

Portugal-based Tekever, a leading provider of AI-driven autonomous systems, announced a partnership with Taiwan’s Apex Aviation during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition held from September 18 to 20.

Central to the agreement is the potential local production of Tekever’s AR3 drone, which has been widely deployed in Ukraine. 

The AR3, a medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with modular payload options including synthetic aperture radar and infrared sensors, has logged over 10,000 flight hours in combat operations, according to Tekever.

Scott McClelland, Tekever’s deputy defense director, told Interesting Engineering during the exhibition that the drone has “supported Ukraine in the destruction of nearly $2.5 billion in Russian assets, including an S-400 air defense system.” 

The model is also in service with the UK military for electronic warfare missions.

AR3 drone

The AR3 drone is designed as a compact fixed-wing system for endurance and flexibility in maritime and land missions. 

It can stay aloft for up to 16 hours and comes with an optional beyond-line-of-sight datalink, making it well-suited for extended operations such as intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), border protection, artillery fire correction, and infrastructure monitoring. 

The system is catapult-launched, easy to assemble, and requires minimal logistical support.

Operators can equip the drone with various payloads, including electro-optical and infrared sensors, laser illuminators, and communications relay systems. 

For added versatility, the AR3 is also available as a hot-swappable vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) variant, which reduces the need for ground equipment and expands deployment options. 

The VTOL version includes an integrated synthetic aperture radar payload, allowing it to operate effectively in poor weather or at night.

In terms of specifications, the fixed-wing AR3 measures 3.5 meters in length and 1.7 meters in width, with a maximum takeoff weight of 23 kilograms (50 pounds) and a payload capacity of 4 kilograms (9 pounds). 

It cruises around 85 kilometers per hour (53 mph) and can fly up to 16 hours. The VTOL configuration is slightly larger at 3.5 by 1.9 meters, with a maximum takeoff weight of 25 kilograms (55 pounds). 

It offers the same 4-kilogram payload capacity, cruises between 75 and 90 kilometers per hour (47 and 55 mph), and delivers an endurance of around eight hours.

Manned-unmanned teaming

For Taiwan, Apex said the agreement marks a major step toward building the island’s first manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) framework, pairing Tekever’s drones with Apex’s manned aircraft developed under its Goshawk Project. 

The goal, the company said, is to enhance real-time decision-making while reducing risks during gray zone and maritime security operations.

“By integrating Tekever’s proven UAS expertise and AI-driven platforms with our experience in manned aviation and system integration, we are advancing manned-unmanned teaming and shaping a more resilient defense ecosystem in Taiwan,” said Apex Chairman Wilson Kao.

Tekever officials said the partnership is part of a global expansion strategy, with Taiwan viewed as a key market for advanced ISR capabilities. 

Karl Brew, head of Tekever’s defense unit, said the company aims to combine its autonomous systems with Apex’s local expertise to build “a stronger, more resilient defense and security industry.”

As part of the agreement, Tekever and Apex will coordinate with Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration to ensure regulatory compliance and safe drone operations. 

Both companies are exploring local technology integration and supply chain development options to strengthen Taiwan’s domestic unmanned systems sector.

The collaboration comes as Taiwan seeks to boost its defense resilience against potential threats from China, including maritime and aerial incursions. 

Officials said adding drones like the AR3 could provide critical ISR support in safeguarding Taiwan’s security and infrastructure.