🇸🇪 STARK launches Vanta 12 to strengthen maritime security in the Baltic Sea and across NATO’s northern flank

September 28, 2026

STARK today unveiled Vanta 12, its new AI-enabled unmanned surface vessel (USV) developed to meet the demands of modern maritime operations. Combining artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation and a modular design, Vanta 12 can monitor large maritime areas over extended periods, gather information on potential threats and respond when required.

Maritime security challenges and NATO’s capability gap

Maritime security challenges in the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic and across NATO’s northern flank are increasing. Suspected sabotage of undersea infrastructure, electronic interference and activity by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet underline the need for persistent maritime awareness. NATO allies are increasingly looking for scalable capabilities that can monitor suspicious activity, protect critical infrastructure and support faster responses to emerging threats.

Designed to operate alongside crewed naval assets and other autonomous systems, Vanta 12 extends maritime presence while reducing risks to military personnel. With a payload capacity of up to two tonnes, the vessel can carry a broad range of sensors and effectors. STARK has already integrated and launched ten of its Cascade loitering munitions from Vanta 12 and integrated four MBDA Sea Venom anti-ship missiles onto the vessel. Vanta 12 can therefore not only detect and monitor threats, but also support deterrence and combat operations.

Recent demonstration and capabilities

Vanta 12’s capabilities were recently demonstrated during REPMUS in Portugal, NATO’s largest exercise focused on robotic and unmanned maritime systems. During the exercise, the vessel conducted simulated missions and operated alongside conventional and uncrewed systems. The Swedish Armed Forces participated in the exercise as part of Sweden’s largest delegation to REPMUS to date.

Vanta 12 is a 12-metre AI-enabled unmanned surface vessel developed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare and maritime strike missions. The modular platform has a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles, reaches speeds exceeding 40 knots and is designed to remain at sea for extended periods. Its open architecture allows sensors, electronic warfare systems and effectors to be integrated according to national and mission-specific requirements.

Nordic-Baltic production and partnerships

STARK is already establishing Nordic production of Vanta through its partnership with Danish engineering and manufacturing company Seasight Solutions. Announced in August 2026, the partnership combines STARK’s unmanned systems technology with established Danish industrial capabilities to produce Vanta-6 in Denmark and strengthen regional production and sustainment capacity. It follows the opening of STARK’s Engineering and Development Hub in Stockholm and its strategic partnership with Norwegian defence technology company Six Robotics earlier in 2026.

“Vanta 12 combines long-endurance surveillance, autonomous operation and scalable effectors in a single platform. These capabilities can help Nordic and allied armed forces maintain a more persistent presence across the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic while strengthening deterrence and protecting critical maritime infrastructure,” said Johannes Arlt, Managing Director Nordics at STARK.

About STARK

STARK is a European defence-tech company specialised in unmanned systems across multiple domains. Founded in 2024 in response to critical operational demands from Ukraine, STARK’s unmanned systems are designed to meet the realities of modern conflict: AI-enabled, software-defined, and ready for affordable production at scale. STARK has a presence across Germany, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Greece with its headquarters in Berlin.

Contact

Rebecca Baier
Director Communications, STARK
+49 160 9311 8651
[email protected]

For more information, visit STARK.

Originally published on September 28, 2026 by STARK.