TEKEVER's AR6 heavy-lift autonomous aircraft to be built in Swindon

TEKEVER unveiled a new heavy-lift autonomous aircraft, the AR6, at the Farnborough International Airshow and confirmed it would be manufactured at the company's Swindon facility, Swindon24 reported on Friday 24 July 2026.

What is the AR6?

The aircraft is designed to carry payloads of more than 200kg over distances of up to 500km. The report says it could be used in civilian and military work, including disaster relief, casualty support, industry and renewable energy projects.

North Swindon MP Will Stone, who attended the airshow, said: "The AR6 will be built in Swindon by the people of Swindon."

Why was Swindon at Farnborough?

Swindon Borough Council sent its inward investment team to the airshow to promote the town for advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems and defence technology. The team met aerospace, defence and technology firms from the UK and overseas, and held talks with organisations already investing in the town: TEKEVER, advanced composites manufacturer iCOMAT and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The council also pointed to the town's links with the Defence Academy at Shrivenham.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of the council, said: "Farnborough provides a unique opportunity to put Swindon in front of companies from across the globe".

The council said its team would continue talks with prospective investors after the airshow. The report does not say when AR6 production will start or how many jobs it involves.

Source: Swindon24.