Stark Defence: Germany’s Emerging Drone Startup Driving European Strategic Autonomy

European defence is undergoing a quiet revolution. Stark Defence – a young German company specializing in advanced military drones – has rapidly emerged as a symbol of this transformation. Founded in 2024 amid the urgency of war on the continent, Stark is not a household name yet. But within defence circles, it has become one of the most closely watched ventures. With a headquarters in Germany and operations extending to the UK, Stark develops weaponised unmanned systems designed to fill critical capability gaps for European militaries. The company’s rise is a case study in Europe’s drive for technological autonomy: it builds AI-powered strike drones tested on real battlefields, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Led by a team of former military officers and tech entrepreneurs, Stark sits at the nexus of NATO’s innovation efforts and Europe’s quest for strategic sovereignty. Its story offers a glimpse into how Europe can harness startup agility to bolster deterrence – and why allied investors from Silicon Valley to Brussels are taking note.