German defence technology company Stark has introduced a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to carry out armed combat and maritime security missions in the Baltic Sea and across wider Northern European waters.
The approximately 24-metre-long USV is scheduled for first launch in 2027.
Stark said the vessel will have a payload capacity of up to 50 tonnes, a speed of more than 35 knots, and the ability to remain deployed for weeks at a time. It can be equipped with anti-ship missiles and a 30mm gun along with a long-range radar for tracking surface and airborne threats.
The design is intended to cope with Baltic conditions, including ice and short, steep waves as well as freezing temperatures. Additional operating areas listed are the North Sea, the North Atlantic, and the High North.
The USV is designed for independent operation or deployment with conventional naval vessels, including those of the Royal Navy and allied fleets.
Its planned roles are escorting warships, safeguarding critical underwater infrastructure, keeping watch on “shadow fleet” tankers and carrying out offensive operations.
The company said the USV could take on persistent tasks currently assigned to crewed frigates, such as following suspect tankers through the Baltic Sea, the English Channel and the North Sea, or maintaining a presence around cables and pipelines.
It could also be deployed ahead of a carrier group as a forward-defence platform.