100 jobs to be created as new 40,000 sq ft defence industry drone factory to be based in Swindon

STARK, which develops and delivers unmanned weapon systems for NATO and key partners including Ukraine, will begin production outside of Germany for the first time and has chosen Swindon for its UK factory.

The company’s first UK factory in Swindon will produce unmanned, AI-supported systems in the historic home of the Spitfire.

The investment will strengthen UK and German leadership in critical defence technologies including Loitering Munitions.

One of Europe’s most promising defence technology companies, STARK, has announced a landmark investment into the UK today (17 July). The expansion will see STARK’s AI-powered systems developed and produced outside of Germany for the first time.

STARK was founded in 2024 in response to the critical operational demand for new defence technology, driven by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The company’s systems are AI-enabled, software-defined, and designed for affordable mass production. Thanks to STARK’s footprint in Ukraine, all products are developed with direct feedback from military operators and users, ensuring its technology is optimised for performance, robustness and the realities of modern conflict.

STARK launched its flagship Loitering Munition System ‘Virtus’ alongside its command and control software ‘Minerva’ only 10 months after founding. With a strike radius of up to 100 km and a 5 kg payload, Virtus can strike strategic targets with precision at a fraction of the cost of traditional weapon systems. Virtus also boasts Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities, crucial for operating on the frontline where access to launch infrastructure is limited and every minute counts. 

STARK’s expansion is expected to create more than 100 highly skilled UK jobs, furthering the Government’s Strategic Defence Review ambition to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO.

Mike Armstrong, Managing Director of STARK UK, said: “The UK and Germany are world-leaders in new technology that will define the battlefields of the future. We need rapid and scalable production to protect our people, defend our sovereignty and deter aggression. That means resilient supply chains which stretch across Europe.”

“That is why STARK has chosen the UK as our first production location outside of Germany – taking advantage of the vast technological, industrial and defence expertise that exists here to create AI-powered, unmanned systems to defend Europe and NATO.”

The announcement is made as the UK and Germany announce an unprecedented expansion of their defence and security relationship, building on 2024’s Trinity House Agreement.

STARK’s 40,000 square foot Swindon factory will lead the production of STARK’s unmanned products outside of Germany. It will once again put the town on the vanguard of European defence, building on its historic role as a producer of the Supermarine Spitfire during the Second World War.

Will Stone, MP for Swindon North, said: "I’m proud to be working alongside STARK to bring defence manufacturing back to Swindon, a town with a proud military legacy and key producer of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire. It’s fitting that defence is returning to our town. This is the direction of travel: creating high-skilled, well-paid jobs and putting Swindon back at the heart of Britain’s industrial future. This is just the start with more businesses to follow."

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:  “This is fantastic news for Swindon and a strong endorsement of our town’s growing reputation in advanced manufacturing and innovation. STARK’s investment is a major step forward in our ambition to position Swindon as a national leader in defence advanced manufacturing. 

“I’d like to personally thank Swindon North MP, Will Stone, who has played a pivotal role in bringing this investment to our town. I’m excited to see this cutting-edge UAV technology take shape right here in Swindon.”