Product profile
Virtus
Virtus OWE-V is STARK’s software-defined VTOL loitering munition for precision strikes. It launches without catapults or pads, integrates with Minerva for...
Facts
- Company
- STARK
- Product type
- unmanned_aerial_system
- Status
- active
- Website
- https://stark-defence.com/en/systems/stark-owe-v-virtus
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 route updates, visual guidance and human-supervised precision engagement across contested environments.
Minerva connects Virtus with reconnaissance aircraft, other effectors and battle-management systems and supports coordinated swarm and reconnaissance-strike workflows. STARK has demonstrated the system in Bundeswehr exercises and deployed it in Ukraine. A German framework agreement covers delivery of several thousand systems.
Market context
drone_platform, 74d0cdf4f9a190d12ea240930f6cfe9408615ba1ec84cec22d0d45c2d271bb63, STARK Defence media library, https://stark-defence.com/en/media, https://zlsbkmaixmmnjrgpkcyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/robotics_assets/products/stark-official-media-2026-06-23/virtus-2.jpg, products/stark-official-media-2026-06-23/virtus-2.jpg, strike_drone, clean_official_product_media, drone, Loitering Munition, loitering_munition, 2026-06-23T18:32:00.313Z
Summary
Type: Loitering munition
Core: VTOL strike
Function: Precision effects
Audience: Defence forces
Specifications
- aircraft_class
- VTOL loitering munition
- communications
- Multi-layer EW-resilient data link
- deployment_time
- <10 minutes
- dimensions
- 1.8 m height / 1.8 m wingspan
- endurance_hours
- Up to 1.5 hours h
- max_speed_mps
- 69.4+ m/s attack speed / 250 km/h+ m/s
- navigation_method
- Visual odometry, satellite imagery and landmark-based global localisation for GNSS-denied operation
- operating_altitude
- Up to 2,000 m
- payload_capacity_kg
- Up to 5 kg modular payload kg
- range
- 130 km+
- speed_range
- 120 km/h+ km/h
Operations
- Environment
- contested_electromagnetic_environment, frontline_battlefield
- Primary user
- military_operator
- Role
- precision_strike, recce_strike
- Mobility class
- vtol_fixed_wing
- Product detail
- drone_platform, 74d0cdf4f9a190d12ea240930f6cfe9408615ba1ec84cec22d0d45c2d271bb63, STARK Defence media library, https://stark-defence.com/en/media, https://zlsbkmaixmmnjrgpkcyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/robotics_assets/products/stark-official-media-2026-06-23/virtus-2.jpg, products/stark-official-media-2026-06-23/virtus-2.jpg, strike_drone, clean_official_product_media, drone, Loitering Munition, loitering_munition, 2026-06-23T18:32:00.313Z
Research, Articles and recent verified events
- STARK raises EUR 500M at about EUR 3.5B valuation — 2026-06-23
- STARK demonstrates Virtus and Minerva drone-swarm integration in Bundeswehr exercise — 2026-04-29
- STARK and INLEAP Photonics partner on laser-based C-UAS — 2026-04-23
- STARK and Six Robotics partner on recce-strike capability — 2026-03-12
- STARK to deliver Virtus loitering munition system to the Bundeswehr — 2026-02-26
- STARK opens Ukraine R&D hub and Greece office — 2026-02-13
- STARK wins first major international contract with a NATO member — 2026-02-04
- STARK expands to the Nordics with Stockholm presence — 2026-01-28