R&D hub in Ukraine: Stark also announces a southern European office at the Munich Security Conference

On the occasion of the Munich Security Conference, Stark has announced two new sites: an R&D hub in Ukraine and an office in southern Europe. In a recent press release, the company writes that this expansion “strengthens Stark's operational and industrial presence in Europe and represents a clear strategic step towards credible deterrence across the entire continent”.

The new Ukrainian site, which covers an area of more than 2,000 square metres, has room for more than 200 specialists. The focus is on research and development, systems integration and training. This is intended to help new developments move into series production more quickly.

Local production around the R&D hub

Stark has been cooperating with Ukrainian specialists on the ground since its founding; the R&D hub is now additionally intended to strengthen the country's innovation ecosystem. There are also plans to build up local production capacity. In this way, the company aims to integrate regional supply chains and increase its industrial resilience. Because the areas of operation are close by, Stark's systems could, according to the press release, “be adapted even faster”.

Stark is establishing itself as a central partner for the defence of Europe, with research and production capacity in several European countries. We combine innovations from operational use with technological expertise from across Europe, ensuring that proven unmanned systems can be transferred quickly into series production and developed continuously.— Uwe Horstmann, CEO of Stark

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed the security situation in Europe. The war shows that deterrence today depends both on innovative strength in defence and on resilient production.— Maksym Cherkis, COO of Stark Ukraine