Virtus loitering munition: TDW and Stark jointly develop shaped-charge warheads

High-performance shaped-charge warhead systems are to be developed for the Virtus loitering munition built by Stark – together with TDW Gesellschaft für verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme mbH. TDW and the loitering munition manufacturer signed a contract for this development on 30 July.

Andreas Seitz, managing director of TDW, said: “With this partnership we are setting new standards in the development and production of state-of-the-art warhead systems for loitering munitions.” He added: “TDW offers a phased development plan that enables rapid delivery to the Bundeswehr. TDW’s warhead systems for loitering munitions is designed for cost-efficient production in the thousands.”

What the Virtus loitering munition can do

Stark’s Virtus has a range of up to 100 kilometres and is designed to engage high-value targets on the battlefield with precision. The system is ready for use in under ten minutes. Thanks to its vertical take-off and landing capability (eVTOL), it can take off and land vertically on almost any terrain.

For Stark, board member André Schneider added: “Combining our loitering munition with TDW’s advanced warheads raises the operational capability and striking power of our systems to a new level.” He also said: “The cooperation underlines the innovative strength and commitment of both companies to strengthen the defence capability of the Bundeswehr and NATO with technologically leading and efficient solutions.”

Valkyrie as the basis, deliveries from 2027

Specifically, the parties have agreed to develop by 2027 an anti-armour shaped-charge warhead system with an optional fragmentation sleeve, adapted and certified specifically for Stark’s Virtus. It is based on TDW’s new Valkyrie line. According to TDW, this system is characterised “by maximum penetration” and is “tailored to the requirements of modern combat scenarios”.

To enable deliveries from 2027, Stark is investing significantly in raw materials and long-lead components. According to a recent press release, the cooperation between the two companies creates the conditions for thousands of loitering munitions to be delivered quickly from 2027 if required. “This strategic stockpiling of materials considerably shortens delivery times and secures the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr.”

The contract also covers a tandem warhead system intended to deliver maximum performance against reactive armour. With this system, the user can flexibly set before the mission when the warhead detonates – which considerably increases operational flexibility.

In addition, there is a purpose-developed, cost-optimised fuze that can be used across all of Stark’s loitering munition systems. This shortens development times and lowers costs for future systems, while making production more efficient.