OVERVIEW: The M/71 Virgo is a 120 kg general-purpose bomb developed by Sweden for tactical air-to-ground strike missions. It carries a high-explosive warhead of approximately 60 kg for use against soft or semi-hardened targets.

DETAIL: The M/71 Virgo was developed by FFV (Försvarets Fabriksverk) during the Cold War as part of Sweden’s indigenous ordnance program tailored for its neutral defense doctrine. The bomb is optimized for low-drag delivery and features a streamlined body with NATO-standard suspension lugs for compatibility with Western aircraft. It is equipped with nose and/or tail fuze positions allowing either instantaneous or delayed detonation depending on mission needs. Designed for flexibility, it can be employed from various aircraft using conventional iron sight or computerized bombing systems.

The Virgo is part of a family of Swedish general-purpose bombs and represents a balance between payload and aircraft compatibility, particularly for aircraft operating from dispersed or rugged airbases. It was intended to arm Swedish strike aircraft such as the AJ 37 Viggen, and continues to serve in training or secondary roles. Its compact weight class makes it suitable for precision delivery and for missions where blast radius control is essential.

It is typically used for battlefield interdiction, strikes on depots, troop concentrations, and light infrastructure. Missions often involve medium to low-altitude release profiles, and it can be configured for free-fall or parachute-retarded descent depending on tactical requirements.

NOTE:
IOC: ~1970s
Operators: Sweden (Flygvapnet)
Platform: Saab AJ 37 Viggen, Saab J 32 Lansen, Saab JAS 39 Gripen (training use)
Conflicts: None publicly reported

SOURCE:
Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) ; Försvarsmakten (Swedish Armed Forces) ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database
https://www.fmv.se/ ; https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/ ; https://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers