Tekever and EPE form strategic partnership to expand autonomous defence systems capability in New Zealand market

The partnership aims to address evolving operational requirements across maritime and land domains. Both companies said they will focus on delivering mature, interoperable and mission-ready uncrewed systems for defence and security applications.

Tekever said New Zealand represents a strategically important market for its expansion plans. The company emphasised its approach of working closely with end users to ensure its systems align with operational needs.

“New Zealand is a strategically important market for TEKEVER,” said Paulo Ferro, Vice President of Strategic Development at Tekever. “Our approach is built around close dialogue with end users, ensuring our systems evolve in line with real operational needs. Partnering with EPE allows us to combine that pace of innovation with strong local insight and trusted market presence.”

The partnership will draw on Tekever’s portfolio of autonomous systems, including the AR5 medium-altitude, medium-endurance platform designed for long-range missions across air, maritime and land environments. It will also include the AR3 EVO system, which combines fixed-wing performance with vertical take-off and landing capability for flexible intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

In addition, Tekever’s ATLAS real-time intelligence capability will support decision-making through onboard and ground-based data analysis tools. The system is designed to provide both live and historical data exploitation for operational users.

The collaboration will be presented at the NZDIA Uncrewed Systems Showcase in Auckland on 20 March 2026. EPE will engage with defence and security stakeholders during the event to highlight the partnership’s capabilities.

EPE New Zealand said the agreement strengthens the country’s ability to deploy advanced autonomous technologies. The company highlighted its experience in delivering robotic and autonomous systems for operational use in high-threat environments.

“This partnership with TEKEVER represents a significant step forward in strengthening New Zealand’s autonomous systems capability,” said Andy Cross, General Manager of EPE New Zealand. “By combining TEKEVER’s genuinely mature and proven autonomous platforms with EPE’s deep understanding of the local operating environment, we bring decades of experience delivering robotic and autonomous systems into operational use, including the integration of platforms with sensors and effectors, and supported by specialist training and local through-life support.”

The companies said the partnership combines complementary strengths in technology development and operational integration. It is intended to support defence forces, law enforcement and government agencies across New Zealand as demand for autonomous systems continues to grow.