KORTHOS / ECOSYSTEM / PRODUCT

Virtus

About

About Virtus

Virtus is a vertical-take-off loitering munition that deploys without a catapult or prepared launch pad. Its software-defined mission system supports visual navigation and human-supervised precision engagement across contested environments. The current English product specification lists 75 minutes of flight time, while STARK’s February 2026 Bundeswehr contract announcement states up to 90 minutes; the profile preserves that first-party configuration or revision difference.

Minerva connects Virtus with reconnaissance aircraft, other effectors and battle-management systems. STARK and the Bundeswehr have tested the system in reconnaissance-strike and swarm exercises, and a February 2026 framework agreement provides for several thousand systems after successful qualification, with deliveries commencing in 2026.

27 JUN 2026

Robotics capital moves — 22–28 June 2026

01 JUN 2026

Robotics developments — 1–5 June 2026

Capabilities

Source-backed capabilities

  • Target markets: Defense
  • Control modes: Minerva C2 Integration, GNSS Denied Navigation
  • Deployment model: Portable, Infrastructure Free Launch
  • Multi-vehicle coordination

    Claimed - Coordinate multiple Virtus aircraft through the Minerva command system. - environment: Contested tactical strike operations

    Source
  • Autonomous strike mission

    Claimed - Fly to and strike a designated target during a one-way mission. - environment: Contested tactical strike operations

    Source

Timeline

  • STARK to deliver Virtus loitering munition system to the Bundeswehr

    2026-02-26 - Contract Award - The agreement was approved on 25 February 2026 and announced by STARK on 26 February 2026. STARK said the framework contract covers delivery within two years after successful qualification. The event follows joint Bundeswehr testing of the Virtus system.

    Source
  • STARK and TDW partner on warhead integration for Virtus

    2025-10-01 - Partnership - The cooperation focused on integrating TDW’s LION STRIKE 110 warhead into Virtus. STARK framed the work as a step toward European industrial control over critical unmanned-weapons subsystems. TDW is a European warhead specialist within the MBDA group.

    Source

Context

Comparable Systems