Laser counter-drone defence: Inleap Photonics and Stark enter a strategic partnership

Inleap Photonics and loitering munition manufacturer Stark announced a strategic partnership in laser counter-drone defence at Hannover Messe 2026. The core of the agreement: Inleap Fastlight Shield will be integrated into Stark’s unmanned systems, including the Vanta system family, an unmanned surface vessel (USV).

Inleap Fastlight Shield is an ultra-fast technology that allows drones to be intercepted precisely by laser in less than one second. In addition, the Hanover-based start-up contributes extensive expertise in laser beam steering and laser system engineering. This is intended to produce technologically precise and practical solutions that can be transferred rapidly into real operational contexts.

Marius Lammers, co-founder and CEO of Inleap Photonics, explains: “With Stark we gain a partner that brings together experience, system understanding and an application perspective.” He adds: “For us, this partnership is an important step in bringing Inleap Fastlight Shield quickly into relevant applications, integrating it into existing platforms and jointly developing solutions that are high-tech and robust in operation.”

Long-term cooperation on counter-drone solutions

According to a recent press release, the cooperation is designed for the long term; further anti-drone solutions may also be developed jointly. The aim is to bring counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technologies for military users and critical-infrastructure operators to market and scale them considerably faster.

Jan-Patrick Helmsen, CSO of Stark, stresses: “What matters is that new technologies are not viewed in isolation but fit quickly into existing systems and operational requirements.” He continues: “We pursue an integrated approach in which different technologies are brought together in a targeted way. Inleap Photonics’ laser-based defence complements our systems and strengthens our ability to deliver solutions immediately.”