BERLIN (Realist English). Europe must radically rethink its defense procurement systems to keep pace with the rapid evolution of drone warfare, according to Uwe Horstmann, the newly appointed chief executive of German attack drone start-up Stark.
Horstmann, whose appointment will be officially announced on Thursday, said Western militaries needed to abandon outdated purchasing models that cannot match the speed of innovation seen since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“When and how do we want these drones? How many of them? What do we do with them? Do we store them? Do we update them?” Horstmann told the Financial Times. “That debate is one of the keys to creating real deterrence through industrial structure.”
Founded just 15 months ago, Stark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing defense start-ups. Its investors include Peter Thiel, Joe Lonsdale (Palantir and 8VC), and Sequoia Capital. The company was valued at $500 million in its latest funding round in August, when it raised $62 million.
Germany’s €10bn drone investment plan
Horstmann’s comments came as German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to invest €10 billion in military drones over the next few years to strengthen NATO air defenses against Russia.
Germany’s top general, Carsten Breuer, said last month that the Bundeswehr was exploring new types of flexible contracts that would allow rapid procurement of the latest drones rather than stockpiling systems that quickly become obsolete.
Horstmann praised this shift but noted the obstacles posed by Europe’s heavy regulatory and certification requirements.
“Ideally, the software is something that we want to update every week,” he said, adding that the current system “doesn’t reflect the rhythm of innovation.”
Expansion and controversy
Stark’s autonomous Virtus drones have already been purchased in small quantities by the German armed forces for testing, alongside models from rival Helsing. Both companies are now competing for a larger national contract.
The start-up is also developing Minerva, a command-and-control system for networked drone operations, and has deployed a team in Ukraine to gather battlefield data.
In July, Stark announced plans to open a manufacturing site in Swindon, UK, as part of its international expansion.
The company’s origins have sparked debate. It was co-founded by former army officer Florian Seibel, who previously led reconnaissance drone maker Quantum Systems. Seibel founded Stark after investors at Quantum reportedly barred him from developing armed drones.
Asked about the connection, Horstmann said the two companies were “entirely separate with entirely different teams,” adding that Seibel is “a good friend” but holds no operational role at Stark.
Horstmann will continue to serve as a partner at venture capital firm Project A, one of Stark’s early backers, while overseeing the company’s next growth phase.
As Europe accelerates rearmament and NATO members scramble to adapt, Horstmann’s message is clear: innovation, not bureaucracy, will determine deterrence.
