Turkish company STM exports first Kargu kamikaze drone equipped with new warhead for enemy vehicle and bunker attacks.

On May 13, 2025, the Turkish company STM finalized the first export contract for its Kargu rotary-wing loitering munition system equipped with an armour-piercing warhead. The system, which has already been selected and is actively used by more than 10 countries in its anti-personnel warhead configuration, will now enter service in its new form with a country that had previously procured the original version. Delivery of the upgraded version is planned for later in 2025. This marks a milestone in the system's development, which underwent a full cycle of design integration, testing, and demonstration following STM’s addition of the armour-piercing payload in 2024.
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The Kargu’s role has expanded from early surveillance and counter-insurgency tasks to precision-strike missions with payloads suited to different combat environments. (Picture source: STM)

The Kargu, introduced into the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces in 2018, is a combat-proven, rotary-wing loitering munition system developed using national capabilities. Since its first export in 2021, the system has been delivered to over 10 countries on three continents. STM has confirmed that it is engaged in ongoing talks with additional foreign military delegations regarding the new variant. Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, stated that the development of the armour-piercing version responds to changing battlefield requirements and confirmed that considerable international interest has been shown in this variant. He also indicated that the new version will be used by both the Turkish Armed Forces and a friendly or allied foreign military.

The Kargu system is designed for rapid deployment and operation by a single person. It can be launched within one minute and features vertical takeoff and landing. Its radar cross-sectional area is low, supporting a reduced probability of detection. The system uses artificial intelligence and onboard image-processing algorithms to provide real-time target recognition and engagement. The drone includes autonomous navigation capabilities and offers precision strike functionality under the “Man-in-the-Loop” principle, with the operator maintaining full control over engagement decisions. The Kargu system consists of two components: the air platform and a mobile ground control station.

The new configuration allows field personnel to switch between anti-personnel and armour-piercing warheads depending on operational requirements. The anti-personnel version has long been employed against individuals and groups, while the armour-piercing warhead is intended for use against mobile or stationary land targets, reinforced structures, and armoured vehicles. The Kargu’s payload capacity accommodates warheads weighing under 1.3 kilograms in the anti-personnel variant and under 1.0 kilogram in the armour-piercing configuration. The system includes a proximity fuse and can be re-armed by ground personnel. STM confirmed that the updated warhead demonstrated accurate target engagement during testing.

Technically, the Kargu is powered by an electric engine and features a quad-motor rotor configuration. Its endurance with payloads is 30 minutes, and it operates within a 10-kilometer range when using an external antenna. The system’s cruise speed is 72 km/h, with resistance to wind up to 10 m/s. It can function in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C and is operational up to an altitude of 3,000 meters above mean sea level. The drone’s data link is secured with AES-256 encryption and allows control at 6.5 kilometers with an onboard antenna or up to 10 kilometers using the external antenna from the ground station.

Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, stated that the development of the armour-piercing version responds to changing battlefield requirements and confirmed that considerable international interest has been shown in this variant. (Picture source: STM)

The imaging system includes a high-definition electro-optical camera with a 10x optical zoom and a thermal camera with a 640x400 resolution. A 2-axis stabilized gimbal provides pitch axis control. The mobile ground control station includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen tablet, joystick, and internal and external antennas, and operates on battery power for up to two hours. The entire system weighs approximately 7.6 to 7.8 kilograms depending on the payload and folds into a compact configuration for portability. The complete system includes the drone, control station, and support equipment.

Kargu supports day and night operations and can be operated beyond line of sight. It includes mission abort, return-to-home, and self-destruct capabilities. It also integrates with the STM KERKES Project, allowing it to operate in GPS-denied environments and as part of swarm formations. The STM-designed flight control system enables autonomous and semi-autonomous navigation and facilitates integration with target recognition software. According to STM, Kargu offers different warhead options on a common platform, increasing mission flexibility and tactical utility.

The platform’s role has expanded from early surveillance and counter-insurgency tasks to precision-strike missions with payloads suited to different combat environments. In Turkish, “Kargu” refers to a mountain observation tower, reflecting its original design purpose as a surveillance tool. The system's operational history includes usage in asymmetric warfare and complex terrain. STM continues to market the Kargu to prospective international customers, mentioning that the system has been adapted to operate in desert, tundra, and tropical climates. The company has also noted interest from Japan in past public statements regarding Turkish drone exports.

STM has been active in the Turkish defense sector for 34 years, developing technologies and providing consultancy across domains such as naval platforms, cybersecurity, command and control systems, and big data analytics. Its tactical mini UAV systems, including the Kargu, are part of a broader portfolio aimed at addressing the operational needs of Turkish forces and allied militaries. STM confirmed that production and export efforts for the new armour-piercing Kargu variant will continue in alignment with demand and program developments.