Defense company STARK, based in Berlin, Germany, has just introduced two new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) called Cascade and Gambit.
These two platforms are developed to support precision attack, reconnaissance and coordinated combat missions, reflecting the increasing trend of low-cost unmanned systems, which can be mass-produced and deployed in many combat environments.
According to STARK, the new platforms are designed to meet modern combat needs, where the ability to quickly collect information, deploy flexibly and coordinate multiple vehicles simultaneously plays an increasingly important role.
Cascade - long-range attack UAV with the ability to operate in a jamming environment
Cascade is STARK's latest long-range attack solution. The system can operate at a distance of over 100 km, carry a warhead weighing about 4.5 kg and is designed to attack targets deep behind the enemy's defense line.
According to the manufacturer, Cascade is aimed at targets such as command posts, logistics centers or air defense systems.
This UAV has a continuous operating time of up to 60 minutes and can be ready to perform tasks in less than a minute after being deployed.
One of the notable points of Cascade is its ability to operate even when satellite positioning signals are disturbed or unavailable.
The system uses sensors supported by artificial intelligence to identify and track targets, instead of completely relying on global positioning signals.
STARK also partnered with Force Development Services to integrate a six-seater launcher, allowing the deployment of multiple UAVs in a short time. The company demonstrated the ability to launch from unmanned surface ships, showing the potential for operation in the marine environment.
Gambit focuses on frontline reconnaissance missions
Gambit is a four-wheeled UAV serving intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The system has a range of about 25 km, can carry a load of 2 kg and is designed for use in frontline areas. Gambit can operate in conditions without GPS signals and maintain a flight time of about 25 minutes.
According to the manufacturer, soldiers can deploy Gambit in less than 5 minutes. In addition to the reconnaissance version, STARK has also developed a variant capable of performing short-range attack missions to support ground forces.
Towards group combat
Both Cascade and Gambit are connected to the Minerva command and control system developed by STARK. This platform allows coordination of operations between vehicles on land, in the air and at sea.
Notably, Minerva supports a group operation model, allowing one operator to control and coordinate multiple UAVs at the same time. This is considered a prominent trend in the development of defense technology today, as military forces seek to increase operational efficiency through a network of unmanned vehicles.
