STARK Pairs Its Vanta-12 Drone Boat With MBDA's Sea Venom as MBDA Adapts the Missile for Surface Launch
STARK unveiled its Vanta-12 drone boat with four MBDA Sea Venom missiles, which MBDA is adapting for surface launch. Integration is early, and no navy has ordered the boat.
A two-year-old German startup borrows an in-service Royal Navy helicopter missile for its largest uncrewed vessel, while the software link between them is still being built.
Berlin-based STARK unveiled its 12-metre Vanta-12 uncrewed boat on Sept. 28 and said it has integrated four MBDA Sea Venom missiles in an aft box launcher, according to the company's announcement. A forward 10-cell launcher carries STARK's Cascade loitering munitions. The vessel ran simulated missions at REPMUS 26, the Portuguese Navy and NATO exercise off Portugal's Tróia peninsula, STARK stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did STARK and MBDA announce?
STARK unveiled its 12-metre Vanta-12 uncrewed surface vessel on Sept. 28, 2026, and said it has integrated four MBDA Sea Venom anti-ship missiles in an aft box launcher. MBDA said it is developing a surface-launched variant of Sea Venom.
Has Vanta-12 fired a Sea Venom?
No firing has been reported. STARK's maritime director described the software integration as early, and IN Defence assessed the work as development and integration rather than a weapon in service.
Where is Sea Venom used today?
Sea Venom is in service as a helicopter-launched anti-ship missile on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters. Janes lists a 30 kg warhead, and MBDA puts its range at up to 30 km depending on conditions.
Has any navy ordered Vanta-12?
No order has been disclosed. The Daily Express reported, without naming a source, that the Royal Navy is among NATO nations in talks to buy it. STARK says Germany has procured the smaller Vanta-6.
What comes next?
STARK plans to take Vanta-12 to Nordic exercises through the rest of 2026 and into 2027, according to its UK managing director.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.