Türkiye’s STM achieves first international export of Boyga UAV to Africa
STM Defense Technologies achieves a milestone in the Turkish defense industry by exporting the domestically developed BOYGA UAV to its first international customer in Africa (AA Photos)
In a milestone for Turkish defense exports, STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade, an industry pioneer, has secured its first international sale.
The rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named Boyga, designed to carry munitions. Designed and built by STM engineers, Boyga secured its first international customer. This marks the first time the UAV will be exported outside of Türkiye. The buyer hails from a nation in Africa. A contract for its initial export has been finalized, with deliveries set for completion by the end of 2024.
Since its induction into the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in 2022, Boyga has actively participated in counterterrorism operations, cross-border missions, and international exercises. Most notably, Boyga recently demonstrated its precision by successfully striking designated targets during the Efes-2024 Exercise.
Ozgur Guleryuz, STM’s general manager, highlighted the international leadership of STM’s tactical mini UAV family, developed with advanced engineering capabilities to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and beyond: “We introduced our rotary-wing national strike UAV, Kargu, to the TAF inventory in 2018 and have exported it to over 10 countries since.
Subsequently, we introduced our surveillance variant, Togan, to our armed forces two years ago, followed by its export to two African nations. Most recently, we achieved the inaugural export of our fixed-wing strike UAV, Alpagu, in 2023. Following these achievements, we are pleased to announce the first international sale of Boyga to an African nation.
By exporting all members of our successful tactical mini UAV family, we have achieved significant milestones. Discussions for additional exports of our impactful and effective UAVs are ongoing, aimed at meeting the needs of our Armed Forces and friendly nations.”
Guleryuz emphasized Boyga’s standout features: “The recent Ukraine-Russia conflict underscored the pivotal role of drones and UAVs capable of deploying munitions in the field. Boyga offers a decisive edge with its proprietary national software, specially designed munitions, and advanced prediction algorithms. Capable of precise targeting from high altitudes, Boyga poses a formidable challenge for adversaries.”
Boyga is an unmanned aerial vehicle system equipped to carry 81mm mortar ammunition payloads. The integration of the 81mm mortar ammunition is optimized for Boyga’s deployment mechanism. Utilizing an enhanced ballistic prediction algorithm via the Ground Control Station, Boyga can effectively drop 81mm mortar ammunition on specified targets. The munitions system integration is executed in collaboration with MKE.
Mechanical specifications and performance of Boyga:
- Dimensions: 800x800x500 mm
- Diagonal Length: 1,150 mm
- Weight (Without Munitions): 15 kilogram
- Takeoff Weight: 17 kilogram
- Endurance: 30 minutes (with one munition)
- Maximum flight altitude: 1,500 meters above ground level
- Maximum Cruise Speed: 20 miles per second (m/s)
- Maximum Wind Resistance: 10 m/s
