British defence company STARK has unveiled a new version of the Vanta-12 uncrewed surface vessel designed to launch Sea Venom missiles produced by MBDA.
The Vanta-12 is 12 metres long. Four Sea Venom missiles can be fitted at the vessel’s stern in a box launcher. MBDA is adapting Sea Venom for launch from a surface platform. The missile is already in service on maritime helicopters operated by the French and UK navies.
The Vanta-12 has a modular design that allows different effectors and equipment to be installed. In addition to Sea Venom, the vessel features a 10-cell launcher for STARK’s Cascade loitering munitions. They carry a 5 kg warhead and have a range of up to 100 km. Naval News reported this.
The uncrewed vessel is equipped with the Minerva command-and-control and autonomy system, around which sensors and effectors are integrated. STARK also reported that it had completed work to integrate a laser weapon.
The Vanta-12 has a range of 1,200 nautical miles at patrol speeds, while its maximum speed exceeds 40 knots. According to STARK, the vessel can remain at sea for weeks. In its current configuration, the Vanta-12 can operate effectively in Sea State 4, corresponding to wave heights of 1.25 to 2.5 metres, and remain on station in up to Sea State 6, with wave heights of 4 to 6 metres.
The first Vanta-12 entered sea trials in mid-2026. During the trials, the company also began integrating Sea Venom.
The Vanta-12 took part in the REPMUS 2026 exercise and experimentation event in Portugal. During the event, the uncrewed vessel conducted simulated combat missions and operated with crewed ships and other uncrewed platforms. STARK also said it launched one Cascade loitering munition from the Vanta-12 through the Minerva system.
Sea Venom is 2.5 metres long and uses a solid-propellant motor. According to information cited by Naval News from Janes, the missile carries a 30 kg warhead. Its range is up to 30 km, depending on environmental conditions.
MBDA’s Sea Venom, pictured at ‘REPMUS’, adds strike capability at range for Vanta-12.
