Bundestag approves about EUR 270M for 2,200 STARK Virtus drones under a framework of up to EUR 4.4B

STARK/Virtus

The Bundestag budget committee approved the first EUR 540M of loitering-munition orders, split between Helsing (4,300 HX-2) and STARK (2,200 Virtus). It capped each maker at EUR 1B before parliament must approve more. Deliveries are set for early 2027 after acceptance trials, first for the brigade in Lithuania.

• Framework of up to EUR 4.4B through 2029; STARK's own ceiling is reported at about EUR 2.9B.
• Priority user: Panzerbrigade 45 in Lithuania.
• Bundeswehr tests in December 2025 had shown hit rates above 90%.