Dronemaker Stark Designs Uncrewed Ship to Hunt Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Nov 3, 2026 (Bloomberg) –German startup Stark Defence plans to launch a 24-meter uncrewed surface vessel next year, marking an expansion beyond small drones to more closely resemble an established defense contractor.

The Berlin-based company’s new ship is designed to guard undersea cables and track Russia’s shadow fleet in European waters, Stark’s Chief Executive Officer Uwe Horstmann announced at Bloomberg Tech London on Tuesday.

“Those are systems that cost a thousandth of the price of a manned frigate, which takes years to produce,” Horstmann said. Stark’s maritime vessel “can be deployed within months, so there is a big speed element.”

The Vanta 24 can carry up to 50 metric tons, including weapons like missiles and cannons, and travel more than 40 miles per hour (64 kph) without a crew onboard, according to the company. The announcement comes as more European navies look to uncrewed platforms to save money and manpower, and as Russia steps up submarine activity in the continent’s waters.

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