Germany's Armed Vanta 24 Drone Ship Aims to Track Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers in Baltic Waters.

German defense company Stark Defence is developing a new 24-meter unmanned surface vessel designed to track Russia's shadow fleet, protect underwater infrastructure and support NATO naval operations in Northern Europe. Expected to enter the water in 2027, the Vanta 24 will combine maritime surveillance with anti-ship missiles and naval artillery, potentially allowing European navies to expand their presence across the Baltic and North Seas without deploying additional crews.

The Vanta 24 is the third and largest member of Stark's unmanned vessel family, following the smaller Vanta 6 and Vanta 12 (Picture source: Stark)

The project comes as European governments face growing concerns over the security of submarine cables, energy pipelines, and maritime trade routes. Monitoring these areas currently requires considerable naval resources, including frigates and patrol vessels that could otherwise undertake combat missions. Stark intends to address this problem with an autonomous platform capable of operating independently or alongside conventional warships, combining persistent surveillance with the possibility of armed intervention.

According to a Stark Defence announcement published on November 3, 2026, the Vanta 24 is being developed in Germany and the United Kingdom, with its first launch planned for 2027. The company specifically targets operations in the Baltic Sea, although the vessel is also intended for deployment across the North Sea, North Atlantic and High North, where NATO faces increasingly demanding maritime security requirements.

A 24-Meter Armed Drone Ship Designed for Northern European Waters

The Vanta 24 is the third and largest member of Stark's unmanned vessel family, following the smaller Vanta 6 and Vanta 12. Measuring approximately 24 meters, the new platform is designed to carry payloads of up to 50 metric tons and exceed 35 knots, equivalent to 65 kilometers per hour. Its construction is intended to withstand freezing temperatures, ice, and the short, steep waves frequently encountered in the Baltic Sea.

Unlike smaller unmanned surveillance boats, the Vanta 24 is being developed as a potential combat platform. Stark plans to equip it with anti-ship missiles, a 30 mm naval gun and a long-range radar capable of tracking aerial and surface targets. These systems could allow the vessel to contribute to surface warfare and the protection of naval formations. The manufacturer has not yet identified the missile type, radar model, or weapons engagement ranges.

Endurance is another important aspect of the design. According to Stark, the vessel's naval-grade construction should allow it to remain at sea for several weeks, reducing the need for frequent returns to port. The company has not disclosed its propulsion system, fuel capacity, or precise operational range, making it difficult to assess how endurance and high-speed performance will be balanced.

The Vanta 24 will also use Stark's Minerva software architecture, which allows one operator to supervise three vessels from the Vanta family simultaneously. Designed to connect with existing allied naval command systems, Minerva could enable coordinated patrols involving different unmanned platforms and crewed warships. This architecture is central to the company's ambition to develop naval formations that require fewer personnel while maintaining surveillance coverage across larger maritime areas.

Monitoring Russian Tankers and Protecting NATO Naval Formations

Operationally, the Vanta 24 is intended to undertake missions that currently occupy crewed patrol vessels and frigates. It could follow suspicious tankers through the Baltic Sea, English Channel and North Sea, monitor cable routes or conduct reconnaissance ahead of a carrier strike group. Its speed would allow repositioning between patrol sectors, while onboard sensors could provide early warning of approaching vessels or aircraft. Armed configurations could offer additional defensive options, although the use of force would remain subject to identification procedures and national rules of engagement.

Russia's shadow fleet is a particular concern for European governments. These tankers often operate through opaque ownership structures and are used to transport Russian oil despite Western restrictions. Their movements through sensitive maritime corridors create difficulties for sanctions enforcement and maritime safety. Suspected incidents involving underwater cables have further increased attention on vessels operating near critical infrastructure, although the presence of a tanker near a damaged cable does not itself establish responsibility.

NATO has already responded to these vulnerabilities. In January 2025, the Alliance launched Baltic Sentry to reinforce the protection of underwater infrastructure following several cable damage incidents. The introduction of larger autonomous vessels could support such operations by maintaining surveillance over selected areas without continuously assigning high-value warships. Nevertheless, tracking vessels, establishing hostile intent, and conducting an interception remain distinct missions, particularly in heavily trafficked international waters.

European Naval Forces Move Toward Mixed Crewed and Unmanned Fleets

Stark presents the Vanta 24 as part of the emerging hybrid navy concept, in which autonomous boats operate alongside conventional combatants. Britain, Germany and Norway are already pursuing unmanned maritime capabilities to increase naval presence while limiting personnel requirements. Chief Executive Officer Uwe Horstmann argues that these platforms could be deployed considerably faster and at a fraction of the cost of crewed frigates. However, Stark has not disclosed the Vanta 24's price or demonstrated its full operational capabilities.

The project also reflects a broader European effort to strengthen maritime deterrence through domestically developed defense technologies. Russia's naval activity, threats to underwater infrastructure and the growing importance of unmanned warfare are pushing NATO members to reconsider how they protect northern maritime approaches. 

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in Security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.

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