A German defense technology firm has announced plans to commence drone production in the United Kingdom.
Stark, a manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems for NATO, is set to inaugurate a new 3,700 sq m (40,000 sq ft) facility in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The expansion is projected to generate over 100 skilled employment opportunities and marks the company’s inaugural site outside of Germany.
Local Member of Parliament Will Stone expressed his pride in Stark’s decision to “bring back defense manufacturing” to Swindon, a town with a “distinguished military heritage.”
Mike Armstrong, Managing Director of Stark UK, emphasized that both the UK and Germany are “world leaders in new technology” and that this expansion will contribute to “defining the battlefields of the future.”
“We require rapid and scalable production capabilities to safeguard our citizens, defend our sovereignty, and deter aggression. This necessitates resilient supply chains extending across Europe,” stated Mr. Armstrong.
Mr. Armstrong noted that Stark, established in 2024, aims to leverage the technological and defense expertise present in the UK.
He added that Swindon, which played a role in producing the Supermarine Spitfire during the Second World War, will once again contribute to the defense of Europe.
The company highlighted its flagship loitering munition system, ‘Virtus,’ featuring vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, a strike radius of up to 100km (62 miles), and a 5kg weapons payload.
“This signifies a strategic direction towards creating high-skilled, well-compensated jobs and reinstating Swindon at the forefront of Britain’s industrial future,” asserted Mr. Stone, the MP for Swindon North.
“This is merely the beginning,” he affirmed.
Swindon Borough Council Leader Jim Robbins hailed the announcement as a “strong endorsement of our town’s burgeoning reputation in advanced manufacturing and innovation.”
He characterized the investment as a “major step forward” in the ambition to establish the town “as a national leader in defense advanced manufacturing.”
“I am excited to witness this cutting-edge UAV technology materialize here in Swindon,” he concluded.
This announcement coincides with the deepening defense and security cooperation between the UK and Germany, building upon the Trinity House Agreement established in 2024.
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