UK/German unmanned systems manufacturer Stark Defence and MBDA are developing a surface-launched anti-ship missile fit for Stark’s new unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
The 12-metre USV's proposed weapons fit comprises an aft box launcher loaded with four MBDA Sea Venom missiles, plus a forward launcher with 10 cells for Cascade loitering munitions.
The announcement followed the USV’s participation in Exercise REPMUS 2026 around Tróia, Portugal. Stark said the vessel took part in simulated combat missions alongside ships and other USVs.
The Portuguese Navy-led exercise ended on September 25. NATO Allied Command Transformation said about 1,500 participants from 36 navies took part, with hundreds of unmanned craft involved.
Sea Venom is already in service aboard the UK Royal Navy’s Wildcat helicopters, with each helicopter able to carry up to four missiles. The navy said the missile reached initial operating capability on October 2, 2025.
Sea Venom is 2.5 metres long and has a diameter of 200 mm and a weight of 120 kg. It has a two-way data link for operator-in-the-loop control and is intended for anti-surface warfare and coastal targets.
Stark said Cascade carries a 5kg warhead and has a range of 100 kilometres.
According to Stark, the USV can cover 1,200 nautical miles at patrol speed, exceed 40 knots in a sprint, and remain at sea for weeks. It can operate effectively in Sea State four conditions and stay on station in conditions up to Sea State six.
Stark conceived the USV in October 2025, and the first vessel began sea trials in mid-2026.
Stark says it is building the USV in the UK. It also has shipyard partnering agreements in Denmark and Germany.
Stark UK Managing Director Mike Armstrong said the company plans to take he USV to Nordic exercises later in 2026 and into 2027 for further autonomy work.