- Factory will build next-generation uncrewed systems and
loitering munitions.
- Opening builds on UK–Germany defence industrial cooperation
under the Trinity House Agreement.
- Delivers key priorities of the Strategic Defence Review by
strengthening UK supply chains, investing in drones, and making
defence an engine for growth.
More than 100 highly skilled jobs will be created in
Wiltshire as the UK steps up its domestic manufacturing of
drones.
STARK's new manufacturing facility in Swindon marks a major
expansion of the UK's defence industrial base – creating more
than 100 jobs in the first year including in software,
electronics and aerospace engineering and helping to make Defence
an engine for growth.
The purpose-built 40,000 sq ft factory, which was opened by the
Minister for the Armed Forces today, is STARK's first production site outside
Germany. It will begin manufacturing a range of AI-enabled
uncrewed systems in the coming months.
The investment directly supports the government's Strategic
Defence Review, which set out the UK's commitment to boosting
sovereign production of uncrewed systems at pace and at scale.
The Virtus loitering munition, which will be built in Swindon,
has already been successfully deployed in Ukraine and can be
assembled in just 10 minutes.
The opening reflects the growing defence partnership between the
UK and Germany. Under the Trinity House Agreement, both nations
are expanding industrial cooperation on next-generation
battlefield technologies, from long-range strike weapons to
autonomous systems. This will boost NATO's collective
security, whilst delivering on the Government's Plan for Change
through economic growth.
Minister for the Armed Forces, MP, said:
“This facility is the Strategic Defence Review in action —
building UK industrial strength, creating over 100
skilled jobs, and ensuring we can produce the drones
and munitions that modern conflict demands.
“One year on, our partnership with Germany through the Trinity
House Agreement is already delivering real industrial cooperation
and investment at home. This site will strengthen supply chains,
accelerate innovation, and give the UK and our allies
the edge to stay ahead of our adversaries.”
The factory will be operational by 2026, where thousands of
drones will be manufactured. This investment will put the UK at
an advantage, with STARK systems equipped
with UK and European warheads capable of
destroying even heavily armoured vehicles, whilst costing a
fraction of the price.
Managing Director of STARK UK, Mike Armstrong,
said:
“We are delighted to be opening our first factory in the UK -
which will strengthen European supply chains, boost UK sovereign
defence production, and support the shift toward affordable,
scalable autonomous systems.
“With over a century of advanced manufacturing heritage and the
presence of Army HQ and Air Command, Swindon is the ideal place
to build the next generation of AI-enabled systems, shaped
directly by feedback from operators in Ukraine.
“Our first UK site will create more than 100 highly skilled jobs
in its first year and marks just the start of our investment
journey in the UK, supporting the MOD, Ukraine and wider European
partners.”
National Armaments Director, Rupert Pearce,
said:
"This is exactly what the creation of NAD Group is all about –
working seamlessly with international allies and industry to
deliver cutting-edge capabilities faster whilst driving economic
growth across the UK.
"STARK's investment demonstrates how our partnership approach
under the Trinity House Agreement strengthens sovereign
capability, secures supply chains and creates highly skilled
jobs. This facility will help ensure our armed forces have the
battle-winning technology they need."
This new factory comes as figures show government investment in
UK defence industries reached £31.7 billion last year, a
real-terms increase of 6%, and follows the launch of the Defence
Industrial Strategy which will make defence an engine for growth,
ensuring investment is felt by communities across the UK through
new jobs and rising incomes for working people.
