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Tekever Pours 100 Million Into French Aerospace Revolution
TEKEVER, Europe’s leading provider of AI-driven autonomous systems, has chosen Cahors, a city in the Occitanie region of southern France, as the location for its new Centre of Excellence for dual-use autonomous systems. This strategic decision is part of TEKEVER’s €100 million investment plan, announced at Choose France 2025, and marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into the French aerospace ecosystem.
The establishment of this centre underscores TEKEVER’s commitment to French and European sovereignty in AI-powered defence and civil security drones. The dual-use facility will enable the company to develop its production, integration, testing, and product development capacity, strengthening France’s defence industrial base and accelerating the deployment of drones for both defence and security applications.
Cahors was chosen as the location for TEKEVER’s new centre due to its strategic position within the “Mecanic Vallée” cluster, a robust ecosystem of industrial partners, public institutions, and academic bodies. The area offers privileged access to a test site, the Cahors-Lalbenque aerodrome, located in the heart of the Cahors Sud business park, which will provide TEKEVER with the necessary infrastructure to conduct flight validation of its drones.
The decision to locate the centre in Cahors is also seen as an opportunity for TEKEVER to collaborate with partners of all sizes to develop, test, and industrialise advanced technologies supporting French and European capabilities in defence and security applications. The local environment will serve as a catalyst for TEKEVER’s continued innovation in AI-powered drones and space technologies.
The establishment of the centre in Cahors complements TEKEVER’s existing presence in France, with its headquarters in Toulouse, inaugurated in 2024. The Toulouse site is dedicated to engineering, R&D, and support functions and has already built a highly skilled French team of engineers and scientists. Recruitment for the Cahors site is set to begin in the final quarter of this year, with plans to create around 100 new jobs over the next five years.
By expanding its presence in Occitanie, TEKEVER is strengthening its footprint in a dynamic regional ecosystem that is rapidly emerging as a key player in European industrial sovereignty. The company’s decision to establish a centre of excellence in Cahors demonstrates its commitment to France and Europe, both from a strategic and economic perspective.
TEKEVER’s expansion into the French aerospace sector is seen as an opportunity for the country to reassert its position as a leading player in defence and security technologies. With its dual-use facility in Cahors, TEKEVER is well-positioned to support France’s sovereignty ambitions and contribute to the development of a robust industrial base.
The establishment of the centre in Cahors also reflects TEKEVER’s ambition to become a global leader in autonomous defence and security systems. The company has emerged as a European unicorn, with significant investments planned in its €100 million investment programme. This strategic announcement represents a major step forward in TEKEVER’s expansion plans, which are expected to drive growth and innovation in the aerospace sector.
TEKEVER’s CEO, Ricardo Mendes, stated that building on the company’s previous announcement at Choose France 2025, “we are delighted to confirm the creation of this new industrial site in Cahors.” This move reinforces TEKEVER’s long-term commitment to French and European sovereignty, and supporting institutions in fulfilling both defence and security missions.
Nadia Maaref, Director of TEKEVER France, added that the establishment of the Cahors site represents an important step in anchoring TEKEVER within the regional fabric. The company is proud to launch this new phase of its development in France, which will enable it to forge strong, long-lasting partnerships with local partners and institutions.
The decision to establish a centre of excellence in Cahors is also seen as a significant step forward for the Occitanie region and its partners. According to Carole Delga, President of the Occitanie Regional Council, “I would like to thank TEKEVER for choosing Occitanie, and more specifically the Lot department, as the location for its drone manufacturing activities.” The result will be the creation of 100 jobs over five years.
Jean-Luc Marx, President of Grand Cahors and Mayor of Cahors, stated that the representatives of Greater Cahors and Cahors Sud are delighted to have been able to attract TEKEVER. By welcoming this defence and security unicorn, the region is experiencing a real turning point in its history, becoming a key player in European industrial sovereignty.
The centre will serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the aerospace sector, with the potential to create new jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region. As TEKEVER continues to expand its presence in Occitanie, it is likely that the company will play an increasingly important role in shaping the region’s industrial strategy and contributing to France’s position as a leading player in defence and security technologies.
TEKEVER’s expansion into the French aerospace sector is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s defence and security industries. The company’s dual-use facility in Cahors will enable it to develop advanced technologies supporting France’s sovereignty ambitions, while also contributing to the development of a robust industrial base.