Overview
- TDW and Stark Defence reported successful Bavarian warhead trials for the Virtus system, with penetration of more than 800 mm of armor steel.
- The Bundeswehr plans first deliveries of medium‑range systems to the Lithuania brigade in 2027 as part of a roughly €900 million effort.
- Competition remains open between Stark Defence (Virtus), Rheinmetall (Raider) and Helsing (HX‑2), and reports say the award could be divided.
- December troop exercises included a Bundeswehr‑run drone‑swarm trial linking reconnaissance UAVs, a C2 system and loitering munitions, with officials stressing human decision authority.
- TDW says it is preparing for mass production and NATO standardization is in progress, while the Army aims to stand up six drone units with one battery ready by 2027 and five more by 2029.