Tekever has launched a new uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) Training School at West Wales Airport, designed to provide instruction for both internal teams and external customers, the company stated.
The facility has been fully operational since January 2026 and forms part of the Tekever UK OVERMATCH investment programme. The company said the school is intended to support operational readiness and improve training consistency across its UAS operations.
According to the company, the Training School welcomed its first internal and external cohorts during the second week of January and is now running at full capacity. The company expects to train more than 120 students during 2026 and has established a permanent training team to support the programme.
The site includes briefing and training rooms, simulators, technical training resources, and ground-based Tekever aircraft and components intended to support practical learning. The firm also said the school also benefits from West Wales Airport’s existing unmanned aircraft environment, including access to segregated airspace for testing and evaluation, supporting both line-of-sight and beyond-visual-line-of-sight training profiles.
Stewart Pearce, Head of Regulations & Training at Tekever, said: “This Training School is a big step forward for our UK capability. It gives us a consistent, repeatable way to pass on hard-won operational expertise, raise training standards, and develop the people who sustain and operate our systems. Just as importantly, it lets us fully make use of the unique training environment we have in West Wales.”
Next door to MoD Aberporth, so has access to the large range area and restricted airspace over Cardigan Bay, which is run by QinetiQ as part of the LTPA.
I recall that Watchkeepers first UK flight was from here.
Much further north, RAE Llanbedr used to fly Jindivik Target Drones, a pity that place also wasn’t utilised and expanded into a Drone/UAV “Centre of Excellence” as MoD like to spin things.
Instead, they’ve chosen Preddanek for that for some reason, right in the middle of the FAA helicopter FTA.
Llanbedr is developing itself for rocket launches, I believe.
Really, didn’t know. Thanks.
I had thought that was because Predannack has a more complete multidomain test area, but Cardigan Bay looks to be more comprehensive. I wonder if they picked it to get a rapid interation philosophy, where Aberporth is more used to deliberate measurement and proving, full-fat if you like, Predannack might be seen as a fail-fast and iterate centre. Just a thought.
I’ve no idea, Jon.
Run by the RN, so maybe placed next door to a large existing RN site, logistics, road and rail links, accom already at SeaHawk.
I keep looking at GE to see this “Centre of Excellence” developing at Predannack and all I see is an empty airfield with some burned out aircraft used by the FAA.
Where’s the Aberporth facilities are comprehensive and developed, away from low flying helicopters, and already existed.
Whatever…back to topic, a logical place for Tekever to go for me.