Germany is accelerating plans for AI-enabled drone swarms after new STARK systems trials showed they can cut the time between spotting a target and striking it.
The defense firm deployed its Virtus loitering munition alongside its Minerva command-and-control software during German Armed Forces exercises.
The tests focused on linking reconnaissance drones with strike systems into a single “recce-strike” setup, designed to detect and engage targets in one continuous loop.
Results from the trials indicated the systems worked reliably in simulated battlefield conditions, according to the company. Military planners are aiming to turn that concept into an operational capability by 2027.
STARK’s modular approach allows the Virtus system to adapt to different missions and plug into existing battle management systems.
“Networked, AI-enabled weapon systems are already decisive for the battlefield today,” STARK Senior Vice President Josef Kranawetvogl said.
Germany Expands Work on AI Drone
Berlin has been exploring similar swarm and autonomy concepts through multiple programs and partnerships over the past two years.
In February, Auterion partnered with Ukrainian defense firm Airlogix to produce AI-guided drones.
A year earlier, in February 2025, German defense firm Helsing announced plans to manufacture 6,000 AI-enabled strike drones for Ukraine.
NATO has supported ongoing multinational trials involving autonomous drones and swarm-like systems through exercises such as Project Flytrap, with Germany participating in testing and evaluation activities aimed at improving interoperability and counter-drone capabilities.