19 June 2026
The German company Stark has unveiled its new Cascade kamikaze drone.
Maksym Cherkis, the company’s chief operating officer in Ukraine, spoke to Militarnyi about the system’s capabilities during the Eurosatory international exhibition taking place in Paris.
Cascade is launched from a special tubular container.
The launcher’s design includes versions with a single tube or a modular block with six tubes, which can be integrated into a ground-based system or surface platforms.
“It’s enclosed in a container to protect it from the elements, but when we need to launch, let’s say, a swarm—the container opens, and they’re fired,” the director explained.
Launch system for the Cascade kamikaze drone. June 17, 2026. Photo credits: Militarnyi
The systems are controlled via the MINERVA system, which allows a single operator to control an entire group of drones.
It is primarily designed to engage ground targets, but it can also be used against maritime targets, such as small boats.
“The requirements for the warhead are slightly different there than for ground targets,” Cherkis said.
The German Cascade kamikaze drone at the Eurosatory exhibition. June 17, 2026. Photo credits: Militarnyi
According to him, a typical enemy boat is not armored, and no specialized warhead is needed to ensure its destruction.
Fragmentation-incendiary munitions are much better suited for effectively engaging such vessels.
The German Cascade kamikaze drone at the Eurosatory exhibition. June 17, 2026. Photo credits: Militarnyi
The total weight of the launch system together with the drone is less than 20 kg. The Cascade’s maximum flight range is up to 100 km, its cruising speed is 100 km/h, its dive speed is up to 220 km/h, and its flight duration is up to 60 minutes.
The maximum payload of the drone is up to 4.5 kg. The drone is equipped with day and night cameras, digital communications, and its own AI-powered guidance system, which is currently being trained to identify targets.