Turkish defense giant STM exports Kargu drone to more than 10 countries in 2024
Turkish defense firm STM's Kargu drone with armor piercing warhead munition. (Photo via STM)
The Turkish defense industry achieved another milestone with its Kargu drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by STM Defense, headquartered in capital Ankara. The Kargu was sold to over 10 countries in 2024, highlighting Türkiye’s growing footprint in the defense sector.
At the 4th Defense and Aerospace Industry Global Strategies Conference in Antalya earlier this month, STM CEO Ozger Guleryuz told Anadolu Agency that 2024 had been a successful year for exports.
“STM operates in many fields, with maritime being our primary focus,” Guleryuz said. “Last year, we signed contracts to build three new corvettes for the Royal Malaysian Navy and two supply ships and logistics support vessels for the Portuguese Navy.”
Guleryuz also noted STM’s role in providing design and engineering support to the Turkish Navy for Türkiye’s first national corvette project, Milgem (National Ship Project). The firm is also developing two corvettes for Ukraine.
He highlighted the success of the Kargu system, which has been in the Turkish Army’s inventory since 2018. Interest in the rotary-wing loitering munition system surged in 2024, leading to increased export orders.
“Countries that bought Kargu have started placing orders in larger quantities,” Guleryuz said. “To date, the UAV has featured an antipersonnel warhead, but we recently unveiled armor-piercing ammunition, and its tests are nearly complete before entering the inventory.”
Other STM products, including Alpagu, Togan, and Boyga, have also attracted international interest, according to Guleryuz.
“Türkiye has become a recognized brand in the defense industry, thanks to the activities we carry out under the leadership of Türkiye’s Defense Industry Secretariat. We will continue developing new products with cutting-edge technology,” he said.
Guleryuz also emphasized ongoing projects for unmanned naval vehicles, submarines, and drones, citing STM’s expertise in maritime engineering.
“We can create flexible designs tailored to naval needs, and we’re engaged in discussions with various countries on different projects. We are optimistic that 2025 will be an even more successful year,” he added.
