German Company Stark Defence Presented Virtus Attack Drone, Already Operating at Front

The recently established German company Stark Defence has presented its first attack drone, Virtus.

A representative of the company told Militarnyi about the new development at the Defense Tech Valley 2025 exhibition.

The Virtus’ specifications include a range of up to 100 km and a payload of up to 5 kg. The drone is compatible with various types of ammunition.

The camera is located in the nose, and the guidance system is based on visual navigation, supplemented by a sensor module.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms provide target recognition. The operator has the option of manual confirmation before impact. If necessary, the drone can return back.

Communication is conducted through several channels adapted to the conditions of electronic warfare. Virtus takes 2 to 10 minutes to launch and does not require any cumbersome installations.

The key advantages include mass production, mobility, stealth and adaptability to changes at the front.

The Ukrainian military is already using the Virtus in combat units. After the initial shortcomings, the company quickly made changes, and the drone’s effectiveness is now increasing. The deliveries are made at the company’s own expense.

Stark Defence plans to improve EW protection, modernize the sensor unit, expand AI libraries for more accurate target recognition, and scale up production.

The company has a base in Ukraine, where technologies are adapted and iterated in accordance with the real conditions at the front.

“We handed it over to Ukrainian users. Part of the development is carried out in Germany, but currently iterations are being carried out in Ukraine. The uniqueness of the device is that it can not only fly but also return. The main characteristics are that it has to hit the target, but if necessary, we can quickly train users to work with this system,” said the Stark Defence representative.

The Virtus mock-up was brought to production in just 8 months.