- INLEAP Photonics and STARK are combining technology and operational expertise to accelerate the market deployment of laser-based counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) to armed forces and critical infrastructure operators.
- The integration of INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD into STARK’s unmanned systems is intended to enable field-proven solutions for military and security-relevant applications.
Hanover, 23 April 2026
INLEAP Photonics, a Hanover-based start-up specialising in laser-based counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and STARK, a leading German defence company in the field of unmanned systems, today announced their strategic partnership at Hannover Messe 2026, one of the world’s leading industrial trade fairs. The collaboration will be presented at a meeting with Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony.
At the heart of the partnership is the integration of INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD into STARK’s unmanned systems, including the Vanta USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) system family. The partnership is based on combining technological expertise with real-world application experience. STARK brings cross-domain operational experience with modern unmanned systems and is actively expanding its system approach in the field of C-UAS. INLEAP Photonics contributes INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD, a proprietary ultra-fast technology capable of intercepting unmanned aircraft systems with a laser in under one second. The Hanover-based start-up also brings extensive expertise in laser beam steering and laser system technology. Together, the partners aim to develop solutions that are technologically precise, operationally grounded, and can be integrated quickly into real deployment contexts.
“With STARK, we are gaining a partner that combines experience, system expertise and an application perspective,” says Dr.-Ing. Marius Lammers, Co-Founder and CEO of INLEAP Photonics. “For us, this partnership is an important step to bring INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD rapidly into relevant applications, integrate it into existing platforms, and jointly advance solutions that are highly technological and robust in operational use.”
Accelerated market deployment for C-UAS solutions The partnership is designed as a long-term collaboration and may also include the joint development of additional C-UAS solutions. The goal is to significantly accelerate the market roll-out and scaling of cutting-edge C-UAS technologies for military users and operators of critical infrastructure.
“What matters is that new technologies are not viewed in isolation, but can be integrated quickly into existing systems and operational requirements,” says Jan-Patrick Helmsen, CSO of STARK. “STARK pursues an integrated approach in which different technologies are combined in a targeted way. INLEAP Photonics’ laser-based defence complements our systems and strengthens our ability to provide solutions immediately.”
Technology development from Lower Saxony INLEAP Photonics’ rapid progress in developing its technology to this stage is also due to targeted support and a strong, technology-driven start-up ecosystem in Lower Saxony.
“INLEAP Photonics demonstrates the potential that lies in young technology companies from Lower Saxony,” says Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony. “Integrating laser technology into STARK’s holistic system approach underlines the important contribution of young defence-tech companies to Germany’s defence capability. Where innovation, entrepreneurial courage and reliable support come together, solutions with high technological and economic relevance emerge.”
With their strategic partnership, INLEAP Photonics and STARK are laying the foundation for the next development stage of modern C-UAS made in Germany.
