Wed, 16 Jul 2025

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 German defence tech firm to make drones in UK

STARK, which makes weapon systems for NATO, says its new facility in Swindon will support 100 jobs.
A German defence technology company, STARK, will open its first UK factory in Swindon, creating over 100 skilled jobs and expanding its production of unmanned weapon systems for NATO. The 3,700 sq m facility will be the company's first site outside Germany and is expected to begin producing drones soon. The expansion comes as the UK and Germany strengthen their defence and security relationship, with both countries being "world-leaders in new technology". STARK UK's managing director, Mike Armstrong, stated that the expansion will help define the battlefields of the future by providing rapid and scalable production capabilities. The company's flagship loitering munition system, Virtus, has vertical take-off and landing capabilities, a strike radius of up to 100km, and a 5kg weapons payload. Local MP Will Stone welcomed the news, saying it would bring back defence manufacturing to Swindon, which has a proud military legacy. The company plans to leverage the UK's technological expertise to further develop its products. Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins described the investment as a major step forward in positioning the town as a national leader in defence advanced manufacturing.
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