From the MILTECH BRIEF event dataset — every item we publish is logged as a structured, source-graded record. Stated values only; we never estimate.
Thales Australia and Germany's STARK have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate STARK's Cascade loitering munition onto the Bushmaster armoured vehicle. Thales says the system can hit targets up to 100 km away, giving the Australian-built platform a launcher for one-way attack drones.
Integrated trials for the two medium-range loitering munition systems procured by Germany in February 2026 — Helsing's HX-2 and STARK's Virtus — are nearing completion, the defense ministry confirmed. Both systems show comparable qualification status. The ministry did not disclose delivery timelines or quantities.
STARK has acquired Raydiant RF, a Berlin-based startup founded in 2024 that develops directed electronic warfare systems for unmanned platforms. STARK said the acquisition will enhance its capabilities in electronic warfare, particularly in protecting unmanned systems against detection, location, and jamming in the electromagnetic spectrum. Raydiant RF was based in Berlin-Tegel's Urban Tech Republic.
German defence-tech company STARK and Flensburger Shipyard have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly manufacture and scale production of STARK's Vanta family of unmanned surface vessels at FSG's Flensburg facility. The partnership combines STARK's experience developing AI-driven autonomous maritime systems with FSG's design and manufacturing capacity.
STARKFlensburger ShipyardGermany Hartpunkt →Militaer Aktuell →
TDW Gesellschaft für verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme, an MBDA Deutschland subsidiary, has successfully demonstrated the warhead system for STARK's new Gambit loitering munition in a test, Hartpunkt reports. The warhead system includes a qualified NATO-standard payload designed for precision strike applications.
STARK, a German defence-tech firm, delivered its first autonomous unmanned surface vessel to the Bundeswehr's Cyber and Information Domain Service. The six-metre Seetaube, based on STARK's Vanta platform, will initially be trialled for maritime reconnaissance. The project is an innovation initiative by the Bundeswehr's Cyber Innovation Hub in cooperation with the CIR command.
Why it matters: Germany is quietly building an indigenous USV industrial base outside the usual prime contractors.
STARKBundeswehrCyber Innovation HubGermany Hartpunkt →Militaer Aktuell →