The first loitering ammunition system from German drone manufacturer Stark could be deployed after successful tests in Ukraine (-> current news from the Ukraine war) could soon contribute to strengthening Europe’s eastern flank.
The OWE-V (One Way Effetor-Vertical) was developed specifically for the requirements of modern warfare and, according to the manufacturer, can engage targets up to 100 kilometers away.
The artificial intelligence (AI)-supported control system makes it possible to “react in real time to changing operational conditions and ensures effectiveness even under extreme conditions of electronic warfare”. This makes the OWE-V particularly suitable for operational areas such as Ukraine, where attacks behind enemy lines are often hampered by electronic jamming measures.
A key design feature of the OWE-V is its ability to take off and land vertically – an advantage both during operations and training. Thanks to this feature, the system does not require any additional infrastructure.
The OWE-V is currently proving its performance and reliability in the context of military qualifications. The unmanned, modular systems are designed for rapid and networked deployment.
A new approach for Europe
Stark was founded in 2024 with the aim of strengthening Europe’s defense and deterrence capabilities. To ensure sustainable and cost-efficient production in Europe, Stark is building a European supply chain and opened its first production facility in Bavaria at the beginning of the year.
Philip Lockwood, Managing Director of Stark International and former Head of Innovation at NATOexplains: “At Stark we know: Effective deterrence requires resilient and innovative technology. Tomorrow’s threats cannot be fought with yesterday’s equipment. Our systems must evolve as quickly as the innovations in hardware and software. Stark OWE-V stands for our promise to continuously innovate – with a focus on the needs of our users. I am proud that our new system, which was developed specifically for modern warfare, is now ready for use. It will help ensure the security of one billion NATO citizens and give Ukraine a decisive advantage in the fight for its freedom.”
Stark joins the UXS Alliance
The company has also announced its membership in the UXS Alliance – a network of leading defense technology companies. As the first member to offer AI-powered kinetic systems, Stark brings its expertise in hardware and software integration to the Alliance.
The UXS Alliance brings together European expertise and provides a common voice for unmanned systems in all dimensions of operation – on land, at sea, in the air and in space – with the aim of strengthening European security.
The other members include Quantum Systems and ARX Robotics.
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