Stark's Drone Crashes in Germany as Rival Helsing Scores in Kenya
A drone from Stark, a company backed by US tech billionaire Peter Thiel, recently lost control and crashed in a German wooded area. Meanwhile, rival firm Helsing achieved five successful strikes with its newer model, the HX-2, during a trial in Kenya. Stark, provisionally chosen for a €300mn German drone contract, has faced criticism for overselling its capabilities.
During the 'Haraka Storm' exercise in Kenya last October, Stark's drones failed to hit any targets in four attempts. In one incident, a drone's battery caught fire upon impact. European governments are investing heavily in defence technologies, with Germany planning to spend €10bn on drones alone. Stark recently appointed Uwe Horstmann, a partner at venture capital firm Project A, as its new CEO. Concerns have been raised about a potential drone sector bubble due to the rush of interest and money in the industry. Despite Stark's setbacks, it was provisionally chosen as one of three winners for a German drone contract worth €300mn each.
Stark's recent drone trials have raised questions about its capabilities, with one trial described as a 'disaster'. However, the company has been provisionally chosen for a significant German drone contract. As European governments invest billions in defence technologies, the drone sector faces concerns about a potential bubble. Further trials and evaluations will be crucial for Stark and other drone companies to demonstrate their capabilities and secure future contracts.
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