Recce-Strike insights from Quantum Systems and Stark

The networked use of reconnaissance and strike platforms is currently one of the most discussed topics among Bundeswehr military planners and others throughout Europe. Ukraine has shown that coordinated, drone-based capabilities can locate and strike enemy forces deep behind the front lines, a concept known as recce-strike or hunter-killer with considerable success, which is driving some of this interest. 

In Ukraine, both sides have been using this tactic for some time, and a recently released video by German manufacturers Quantum Systems and Stark demonstrates the effectiveness of their systems in this role. The footage shows a Vector reconnaissance drone, made by Quantum Systems, locating a camouflaged Russian self-propelled howitzer in the Zaporizhzhia region, which is then engaged by a Virtus loitering munition from Stark.

While the general function of a drone-based recce-strike system is self-evident, the video reveals interesting details that were not widely known. Calibre Defence spoke with Matthias Lehna (Quantum Systems) and Josef Kranawetvogl (Stark) about the video, the characteristics of a successful recce-strike combination, and the limitations of these capabilities—which are often dictated more by the enemy than by the technology itself. We were also granted access to additional, unpublished video footage of the operation, which provided further details.

Both managers are former Bundeswehr officers and are responsible for business with the Ukrainian armed forces. As is common in the industry, they travel frequently to the country, visiting the front lines to exchange information directly with user units. Kranawetvogl explained that the recce-strike combination of Vector and Virtus has been in use by several Ukrainian drone units for many months.

Neither Kranawetvogl nor Lehna would disclose the exact number of systems delivered. However, the Stark manager revealed they are establishing partial production and development of the Virtus in Ukraine. They believe this local presence is crucial for ensuring a rapid exchange with troops and for successful collaboration.

The Ukrainian Recce-Strike Approach

According to Lehna, the idea behind the Ukrainian recce-strike approach is to enable small, self-sufficient, and low-signature squads to carry out independent recce-strike missions against high-value enemy targets. This allows them to operate without relying on other units or the approval of a higher command. Kranawetvogl added that such a squad typically consists of a small number of soldiers who use one or two pickup trucks to set up a position near the front, from which they begin airborne reconnaissance.

To do this, the reconnaissance drone is carried to an open area under the protection of a gunner—as a countermeasure against potential FPV drone threats—and then launched. The Vector is navigated into enemy territory to search for targets. In the video, the Vector is used to reconnoitre a wooded area where a protruding barrel can be seen. This reveals a self-propelled howitzer in a covered position. The squad then independently decides to launch the Virtus loitering munition against the target.

This strike system, Virtus, is also carried to the open area and launched without any further infrastructure. The Virtus must first be “married” to a warhead before launch. While this may sound like an unnecessary delay, the Stark manager considers it a key feature, as it allows the squad to match the warhead to the target. For instance, a shaped-charge warhead is used for armoured targets, while explosive fragmentation warheads are more suitable for unprotected ones.

As radio and navigation signals are disrupted throughout the operational area, the Virtus is guided to the target using computer vision-based waypoint navigation. The term “guided” is perhaps misleading, as neither the reconnaissance drone nor the loitering munition requires constant operator control. The drones are controlled by simple “click-based” commands in the user interface. According to Lehna, the hunter-killer squad uses the same laptop for both drones.

To overcome radio signal interference, another key element is required. The reconnaissance drone and the loitering munition in a recce-strike combination must share the same data links. This allows the high-flying reconnaissance drone to act as a relay for the lower-flying loitering munition. Kranawetvogl considers this to be a crucial factor for success and a major advantage of the close cooperation between the two companies.

Once in the target area, the operator gives the loitering munition a rough guide toward the target by clicking on the transmitted image until the on-board AI locks-on and takes over for the final approach. The AI’s ability to recognise a target is impressive. It can switch to an autonomous approach at a considerable distance from the target, which, in this case, is a barrel emerging from a treeline. The reconnaissance drone’s relay function is vital here, as it allows the operator to provide this rough guidance. Without it, the loitering munition would have to search for much longer to acquire the target if GPS reception were disrupted, which would be limited by its onboard power. 

Kranawetvogl emphasises that this is a critical point. “You only have one chance for an approach, so only one attempt. After that, the enemy’s alarm bells start ringing, and they’re gone,” he said, reflecting on the Ukrainian experience. He noted that while more might be technically possible, the enemy ultimately determines what’s feasible. With more time spent in the target area, the probability of the loitering munition being discovered increases, which could lead the target to evade or take other countermeasures. Kranawetvogl is not afraid to admit that some attempts fail. “Not every strike is successful,” he stated.

What is not visible in the published video is how the Virtus engages the self-propelled howitzer or the subsequent battle damage assessment by the Vector. However, we were able to view both of these events from the original footage.

Tech Profile: Virtus and Vector

The Vector is a tactical eVTOL fixed-wing reconnaissance drone capable of vertical take-off and landing. Since its launch in 2020, it has been continuously developed, in part due to experience gained during the war in Ukraine. With a wingspan of 2.80m, its maximum take-off weight is 8.5kg. The three electric lift engines transition to a single rear engine for horizontal cruise flight, giving it a top speed of 70 km/h and a flight time of up to four hours, depending on the battery. According to the manufacturer, the drone’s reconnaissance depth can be up to 80 km, and its optronics package includes a Raptor sensor.

The Virtus, also known as the One-Way Effector – Vertical (OWE-V), is a 2m-long loitering munition with an X-shaped wing configuration. Each wingtip has an electrically-driven propeller. The drone also features a tail unit with four short, X-shaped wings. Stark states that the system weighs up to 30kg (max. take-off weight), can be equipped with a modular payload of up to 5kg, and has a flight time of 60 minutes with an operational range of up to 100 km. Stark gives its cruise speed as 120 km/h and says it can reach up to 250 km/h during the final approach. The strike drone can be set up for deployment in less than 10 minutes.

Several AI-supported functions—GNSS-free navigation, object recognition, tracking, and automatic target tracking—as well as a hardened data link are designed to ensure deployment even in adverse electronic warfare conditions. Stark claims the Virtus can operate with an accuracy of up to 1m, even in GNSS-jammed environments.

Calibre comment

The demonstrated mission highlights the clear advantages of recce-strike approach used by the Ukrainian troops. The main benefit lies in its small footprint and the concentration of all required capabilities—reconnaissance, decision-making, and strike—in a single squad. This system is more akin to infantry hunter operations, where small teams locate and strike targets in the rear, rather than to joint tactical fire support, where these functions are typically carried out by separate units.

However, the approach also has its limitations. Loitering munitions take significantly longer to reach a detected target than an artillery shell or rocket. That said, some of this time disadvantage is offset by the rapid decision-making within the squad, and the precision of the drone strike is much higher. With a range of up to 100km, the two systems in the video also have a notable range advantage over tube artillery. recce-strike squads can also operate more covertly than artillery, particularly when there is a serious enemy drone threat.

This article was originally written by Waldemar Geiger and published by hartpunkt on August 25, 2025. It was translated and republished by Calibre Defence on August 26, 2025. Hartpunkt and Calibre are collaborating to bring you the best content from across Europe. Credit for the lead image is DEFCOM ONE.