eu

TEKEVER secures EMSA deal to deploy AR5 fixed-wing UAS across European waters

TEKEVER won a two-year EMSA contract to deliver two AR5 systems (four aircraft) for multi-region maritime surveillance with BLOS capability and up to 12 hours endurance.

Mr. T (Curator)

Mr. T (Curator)

— 1 min read
TEKEVER AR5 fixed-wing UAS flying over open sea during a maritime surveillance mission.
TEKEVER AR5 fixed-wing UAS flying over open sea during a maritime surveillance mission.

Key facts

  • Two AR5 systems delivered (each with two UAS) under a 2-year contract with options up to 4 years; enables simultaneous regional deployments.
  • AR5 configured for maritime BLOS missions with up to 12 hours endurance and modular payloads: EO/IR, maritime radar, AIS, SATCOM, EPIRB and a second gimbal for automated detection.
  • Platform operational since 2017 across multiple European states and used by EMSA and national authorities for fisheries control, MDA, law enforcement, environmental monitoring and SAR.

2 minute read

TEKEVER has formalised a multi-year arrangement with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to supply two AR5 fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems, each package including two aircraft. The initial term is two years with options extending the partnership up to four years, enabling EMSA to rotate and sustain simultaneous operations in different maritime regions. The AR5 is configured for maritime tasks and supports Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) flight with an endurance of up to 12 hours in this delivery profile. Its modular payload architecture accommodates EO/IR cameras, maritime radar, AIS receivers, high-capacity SATCOM, EPIRB antennas and a newly available second gimbal for automated detection and enhanced AI-driven monitoring.

Operational since 2017, the AR5 has been used across Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and the Baltic states by EMSA and national authorities. TEKEVER emphasises use cases spanning maritime domain awareness, fisheries inspection, law enforcement, environmental monitoring and search-and-rescue—where the system’s life-raft release capability has practical value. For EMSA, the contract represents capacity reinforcement at EU level: long-endurance UAS can provide persistent wide-area surveillance that complements satellite imagery and national airborne assets, supports cross-border coordination and reduces response times for inspections and SAR missions. The deal also underscores a broader trend of European agencies procuring modular, industry-developed UAS to meet peacetime maritime security and regulatory missions while retaining flexibility to scale operations regionally.

Source: TEKEVER

Read more