Stark Unveils Vanta-4 & Vanta-6 Sea Drones to Bolster NATO's Maritime Defense
Stark, a pioneering startup valued at $500 million, has showcased its first unmanned surface vessels (USVs), the Vanta-4 and Vanta-6, during NATO exercises. These sea drones, backed by investors including Sequoia and Peter Thiel, are designed to protect vital undersea cables and shipping lanes from emerging threats.
The Vanta-4 and Vanta-6, measuring 4m and 6m respectively, are modular and packed with advanced auto parts like electro-optics and infrared vision. They can work alongside traditional navy vessels and in swarms with other USVs and aerial drones. Stark aims to leverage their technological superiority and mass deployability to counter threats such as the Russian shadow fleet.
Recently demonstrated in Portuguese waters, the Vanta drones successfully escorted high-value targets, controlled harbors, and conducted nighttime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance patrols. With a range of up to 900 nautical miles (1667 km), these drones can cover vast areas. Stark, with offices in the UK, Munich, and Kyiv, has previously developed a kamikaze VTOL drone (Virtus) and a drone swarm control system (Minerva).
Stark's Vanta-4 and Vanta-6 sea drones, with their advanced capabilities and affordability, offer a significant boost to NATO's maritime defense. With substantial investment and successful demonstrations, these drones are poised to play a crucial role in protecting undersea infrastructure and shipping lanes.
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