STM stated in a press release that its KARGU kamikaze drone has generated significant international interest due to its performance in the field during use by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).
KARGU, which participated in tests and trials in different countries for export markets, received praise for its performance. During this process, the kamikaze drone was tested in tropical, desert, and tundra climate conditions and proved that it could successfully carry out its mission.
The statement indicates that negotiations are underway with three countries regarding the export of KARGU, and that high-level discussions with Türkiye's friendly and brotherly countries have largely matured. It is reported that STM is preparing to finalize negotiations on the export of autonomous drone systems soon and achieve its first export success.
Manufactured at Ostim Technopark
STM, having received orders for over 500 KARGU drones for use by security forces, has begun delivering them in batches. The production of these strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), developed by STM and known publicly as kamikaze drones, including the KARGU drones whose deliveries have already begun, takes place at the company's facility in Ostim Technopark.
The engineering team working at the campus primarily focuses on tactical and autonomous systems.
Within this scope, the campus, which hosts the studies related to the company's autonomous drones TOGAN, ALPAGU, and KARGU, also provides the company with mass production infrastructure for these products.
At the facility, where additional measures have been taken to protect the health of employees against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, intensive work is underway for orders of the KARGU Autonomous Rotary-Winged Attack UAV, which recently entered the Turkish Armed Forces inventory.
All versions of KARGU supplied to the Turkish Armed Forces undergo rigorous testing and production in accordance with quality standards. Furthermore, feedback from the field and insights gained during the production process are utilized to create an even more effective KARGU.
At the campus, R&D and production activities are carried out together, and information from the field is evaluated, particularly in terms of reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
With its new production facility, STM aims to support and further advance the technological level that Türkiye has reached in UAV and UCAV technology with KARGU and other members of its product family, TOGAN and ALPAGU.
They can operate in swarms.
KARGU, which can easily perform tasks independently thanks to its highly advanced computer vision capabilities, also underwent its first applications for use in swarms last year. Through ongoing studies, more than 20 KARGU platforms have been made capable of operating in swarms.
Work in this area continues, particularly focusing on improving swarm algorithms and enabling the execution of different tasks. The KERKES project is also underway to ensure the drone swarm can perform its missions seamlessly in any environment. Following the completion of this project, KARGU kamikaze drones, which will have fully acquired swarm capabilities, will begin to be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces within approximately 1-1.5 years.
To be integrated into different platforms
Work is also underway to integrate KARGU into different platforms.
Currently used by the Turkish Armed Forces and gendarmerie units, KARGU will be able to operate with various platforms, primarily naval platforms, in the coming period.
Activities are also underway to enable KARGU to operate with armored land vehicles and autonomous land systems.
Photos
