From politics to armaments start-up: Arlt plans to use drones!

From politics to armaments start-up: Arlt plans to use drones!

In a turbulent time when arms issues are being debated around the world, there is news from the German arms industry that is stirring up people's minds. One of the most emerging start-ups in this sector, Stark Defense, has gained a prominent new addition to its leadership team. The former member of the Bundestag and SPD politicianJohannes Arltbecomes senior vice president of the company that develops drones for military purposes. nd current reports that he was able to establish contacts with the company from his political career in 2021 to March 2023, which ended with a failed re-entry into the Bundestag.

Arlt, who previously served as a major in the Bundeswehr's operational command, brings a lot of experience with him: He has an impressive military career behind him and is trained in operating Israeli combat dronesHeron 1. Now he is supposed to open up new markets for combat drones for Stark Defense and drive the company's expansion.

Increasing demand for defense investments

In the context of the war in Ukraine, interest in arms investments is growing significantly. Mercury reports that the defense industry is actually booming, while the German automotive industry is growing. Stark Defense, launched in 2024, is currently working on its combat droneVirtus, which was developed as a so-called “kamikaze drone” specifically for use by the Bundeswehr.

With a range of up to 100 kilometers and the ability to transport a five-kilogram warhead and detonate it at the target, the Virtus drone represents a cost-effective and precise solution. It could help to significantly improve the defense capabilities of the Bundeswehr, which currently has no significant combat drones in use Time determines.

A significant factor in Stark Defense's rise is the massive increase in production the company is planning. After all, it has set up a 5,000 square meter production facility in Munich that is geared towards mass production. The Bundeswehr itself plans to purchase such modern systems in order to bring its equipment up to date.

A large sphere of influence

Johannes Arlt, who - as mentioned - worked in the Bundeswehr and in politics for many years, brought a lot of experience to the leadership of Stark Defense. Thanks to his political connections and his military expertise, he has the necessary know-how to integrate the start-up into Germany's defense landscape, which is increasingly seen as an industry of the future.

With investments doubling in the first quarter of 2024 alone, it is clear that interest in German defense start-ups is increasing. The discussion about the use of autonomous weapon systems is still in full swing, but developments at Stark Defense show that the path to a new era of modern warfare is already being taken.