STARK UK has contributed £3,000 towards improvements at the Royal British Legion Club in Stratton, helping fund upgrades to its bathroom facilities.
Managing director Mike Armstrong visited the club alongside North Swindon MP Will Stone and club representative Jeff Crawford on Friday 4th September.
The improvements are aimed at making the venue more accessible and improving the facilities available to members and people hiring the building.
The donation comes as STARK continues to expand its presence in Swindon, where it opened its first production facility outside Germany in November 2025.
Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Berlin, the defence technology company develops AI-enabled and software-defined unmanned weapons systems.
Its 40,000sq ft Swindon factory was expected to create more than 100 skilled jobs during its first year, including positions in software, electronics and aerospace engineering.
Mr Armstrong said the company has already reached the 100-employee milestone.
“We are growing. We’ve already got 100 people here in the last 12 months,” he said.
“We’re starting a new graduate scheme. We’ve got different contracts, which is spurring out the growth that we’re having in Swindon.”
STARK is among a number of defence and autonomous technology companies establishing or expanding operations around the town. TEKEVER, Flyby Technology and Munin Dynamics are also among businesses with a presence in the area.
The Ministry of Defence opened its new Uncrewed Systems Centre at the former Honda site in June. The 545,000sq ft facility has been described by the Government as Europe’s largest drone testing and development centre. It is intended to bring together the Armed Forces, industry and technology developers to accelerate the development of uncrewed systems.
Mr Armstrong believes Swindon’s manufacturing skills and automotive heritage are helping the emerging sector grow.
“I’m absolutely adamant, as is STARK, that the investments we’re making in Swindon are going to be rewarded in the community with good jobs,” he said.
“I think Swindon is now on the map as one of the leading areas for defence drone activity in Europe.”
Alongside its investment in jobs and manufacturing, STARK is now putting money into the community surrounding its Swindon operation.
Mr Stone launched the Royal British Legion Club fundraiser in April, with a £20,000 target to support continuing maintenance of the Stratton building. As of Friday, £3,680 had been raised. That included STARK UK’s £3,000 contribution and £500 from Swindon-based SDO Associates.
The appeal describes the Stratton venue as the last remaining Royal British Legion Club in Swindon. Royal British Legion clubs are independently operated organisations with their own finances and are separate from the national Royal British Legion charity.
Speaking about how the fundraising support was secured, Mr Stone said:
“We set up a fundraiser, and I just got out my little black book and spoke to some people.”
He said businesses in Swindon’s growing defence sector were also beginning to support other community organisations and sports clubs.
“I think there’s social responsibility which is coming from the companies, and we need to expand on that,” he said.
“I think it’s an ecosystem, because a lot of these charities are supporting the people from Swindon, some of which will be the families that work at these places. So, for it to be successful, we’ve all got to support each other.”
Mr Armstrong described STARK’s contribution as a small gesture demonstrating its commitment to the town as the company approaches the first anniversary of its Swindon operation.
“It’s absolutely our pleasure to do that,” he said.
“It’s just a really small gesture from my perspective to demonstrate our commitment to the community.”
