A new STARK manufacturing site in Swindon will bring more than 100 skilled jobs in its first year as the UK accelerates domestic production of drones and loitering munitions.
The facility, formally opened today by Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, forms part of the government’s push to build a larger sovereign industrial base for uncrewed systems.
The 40,000 sq ft plant is STARK’s first production line outside Germany and will begin manufacturing AI-enabled uncrewed systems in the coming months. Among them is the Virtus loitering munition, already used by Ukrainian forces and designed to be assembled rapidly in the field.
Ministers present the expansion as a direct outcome of the Strategic Defence Review, which pledged greater investment in autonomous systems and faster onshore production. Carns said the site represents “the Strategic Defence Review in action, building UK industrial strength, creating over 100 skilled jobs, and ensuring we can produce the drones and munitions that modern conflict demands.”
The factory is scheduled to be fully operational in 2026, with capacity to produce thousands of systems a year. STARK says its UK-built drones will be equipped with UK and European warheads capable of defeating heavy armour at lower cost than traditional precision weapons.
The investment also reflects deepening defence-industrial cooperation with Germany under the Trinity House Agreement. Both governments have committed to working together on long-range strike, autonomy and other battlefield technologies, with aims ranging from securing supply chains to improving NATO’s resilience.
STARK UK managing director Mike Armstrong said the company chose Swindon because of its manufacturing heritage and proximity to Army HQ and Air Command. He added that the factory “will strengthen European supply chains, boost UK sovereign defence production, and support the shift toward affordable, scalable autonomous systems.”
National Armaments Director Rupert Pearce called the move an example of the NAD Group’s efforts to speed up capability delivery while supporting UK industry. “This facility will help ensure our armed forces have the battle-winning technology they need,” he said.
The Jerusalem Post. NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Quote: “Helsing’s HX-2 scores five hits while rival Virtus sputters in British Army demo”
“it was a disaster for Stark, said a person briefed on the German test, after a battery fire sent one unmanned drone burning into nearby woodland.”
Going down in flames would certainly explain the MoDs keen interest, they like to stick to the familiar.