Loitering munition from Stark: One Way Effector-Vertical (OWE-V) comes to market

It has already been successfully tested in Ukraine: the first loitering munition system from Stark, a German drone manufacturer, could soon contribute to strengthening Europe’s eastern flank.

The OWE-V (One Way Effector-Vertical) was developed specifically for the requirements of modern warfare. According to the manufacturer, it can operate at distances of up to 100 kilometres and engage targets there.

Supported by artificial intelligence (AI), the control system, according to the manufacturer, makes it possible “to react in real time to changing operational conditions and ensures effect even under extreme electronic warfare conditions”. This makes the OWE-V particularly suitable for theatres such as Ukraine, where electronic countermeasures often hamper strikes beyond enemy lines.

One of the key design features is that the OWE-V can take off and land vertically – an advantage both in operations and in training. As a result, the system requires no additional infrastructure at all.

The OWE-V is currently demonstrating its performance and reliability in military qualification trials. The systems are unmanned, modular and designed for rapid, networked deployment.

Loitering munition made in Europe

Stark was founded in 2024 to strengthen Europe’s defence and deterrence capabilities. To make production in Europe sustainable and cost-efficient at the same time, the company is building a European supply chain. At the beginning of the year it opened its first production facility in Bavaria.

Stark International is headed by Philip Lockwood, who previously led the innovation unit of NATO. In his words: “We at Stark know that effective deterrence requires resilient and innovative technology. You do not fight tomorrow’s threats with yesterday’s equipment. Our systems must evolve just as fast as innovation in hardware and software. Stark OWE-V stands for our promise to innovate continuously – with a focus on the needs of our users. I am proud that our new system, developed specifically for modern warfare, is now ready for operational use. It will help to ensure the security of one billion NATO citizens and give Ukraine a decisive advantage in the fight for its freedom.”

New member of the UXS Alliance

Stark also announced that it has joined the UXS Alliance, a grouping of leading defence technology companies. As the first member to offer AI-supported kinetic systems, Stark contributes expertise in integrating hardware and software.

The UXS Alliance aims to strengthen Europe’s security. It pools European know-how and gives unmanned systems a common voice across all operational domains, whether on land, at sea, in the air or in space.

Quantum Systems and ARX Robotics are also members.