Ukraine Unleashes German Cutting-Edge Virtus Drone, Hitting Russian Target in Debut Strike

A new German-designed loitering munition has made its combat debut in Ukraine, where it successfully struck a Russian target in Zaporizhzhia with support from a reconnaissance drone, according to a video released by Quantum Systems, the Munich-based defense tech company, on August 23.

Ukraine’s Armed Forces combined the Vector reconnaissance drone with the Stark Defence Virtus loitering munition in a live operation.

The Vector drone identified the target and relayed precise coordinates, enabling the Virtus to carry out the strike.

This marked the first confirmed battlefield use of the Virtus. According to Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi, the system had previously undergone trials in July 2025, when it destroyed a training target at a range of 40 kilometers using a relay link.

The manufacturer claims the munition has a range of up to 100 kilometers with a five-kilogram warhead.

Stark Defence reports that the Virtus cruises at 120 km/h and can accelerate to 250 km/h in a dive. Powered by rechargeable batteries, it has an endurance of about one hour and can engage both stationary and moving targets.

The drone shares some similarities with Russia’s Lancet loitering munition, including its X-wing design. However, unlike the Lancet, the Virtus is capable of vertical takeoff, eliminating the need for catapult launch systems.

Developers also emphasize that Virtus integrates artificial intelligence technologies, allowing it to track targets more effectively and adapt in real time to changing battlefield conditions.

Earlier, a new Ukrainian precision-guided munition, reportedly produced with 3D-printing technology, was unveiled.

The weapon appears to be a compact aerial bomb intended for use on unmanned aerial vehicles.

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