Successful test of German drone weapon “Virtus”

Schrobenhausen (dpa) – Warheads for the “Virtus” kamikaze drone have been successfully tested at a test range in Bavaria. The drones can reportedly fly more than 100 kilometres and remain airborne for more than an hour, according to a representative of Stark Defence, one of the German defence companies involved. The system is also said to be designed to fly over an operational area and identify targets. According to the company, it is intended to engage enemy main battle tanks, air-defence missile positions and radar sites and is said to be essentially ready for deployment. The aim of the industrial test of the warheads was also said to be to assess their penetrating power. According to the company, more than 800 mm of armour steel was penetrated. 

Drones such as Virtus are expected to play a major role in the event of collective defence or national defence and are due to be produced in large numbers in future.  

Army inspector Lieutenant General Christian Freuding said he wanted to establish six units over the coming years to operate newly introduced kamikaze drones. With a view to achieving readiness and given the threats from Russia, he has also ordered an assessment of what the Bundeswehr will be capable of by 2029 and what an adversary would be capable of. The findings are to inform further defence planning. “I expect results after the turn of the year,” he said.