18 July 2025
West Wales Airport – also known as Aberporth – has been taken over by Portuguese company Tekever which describes itself as ‘Europe’s leading provider of AI-driven Autonomous Systems’, ie drones.
Tekever has operated at West Wales Airport since 2023, using its segregated airspace to test and evaluate advanced unmanned systems for domestic and international customers.
The airport’s facilities have also supported test flights for customers including the UK Home Office and Royal Navy. It’s not clear at the moment whether General Aviation access will continue.
The takeover officially takes place today (18 July 2025) when the First Minister of Wales, Baroness Eluned Morgan, will visit the airfield.
Tekever says the acquisition is a milestone in a £400m development programme for the UK, known as OVERMATCH, aimed at delivering autonomous, AI-driven technology to UK and NATO armed forces.
“As seen in recent deployments in Ukraine, rapid innovation cycles and access to real-world evaluation environments are critical to modern defence,” said the company statement.
“Under Tekever’s ownership, West Wales Airport will be expanded into a national hub for the testing and evaluation of unmanned systems. This site will be made accessible to UK government stakeholders, allied partners and industry collaborators and is set to become a cornerstone of the UK’s defence innovation ecosystem.
“The expansion will deliver long-term regional benefits, including the creation of skilled jobs and opportunities for local businesses and talent to contribute to next-generation defence technologies.”
Ricardo Mendes, CEO of Tekever, said, “West Wales has long been central to our UK operations and global growth – allowing us to become part of thriving community, and have access to a fantastic infrastructure and amazing people.
“As defence spending rises and geopolitical threats grow, the demand for AI-driven autonomous systems is only increasing. Acquiring West Wales Airport strengthens our ability to meet that demand while advancing our OVERMATCH programme.
“This is just the beginning – we’re accelerating our investments and pushing forward at pace.”
Click here to sign up for our free weekly newsletter with details of FLYER features, latest news, videos, special offers and more
