As a significant actor in the recent groundbreaking efforts of the Turkish defence sector, STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. offers critical solutions in the fields of tactical mini-UAV systems and cybersecurity, particularly to the Turkish naval platforms. Under the leadership of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), STM continues to export the experience it has accumulated in meeting domestic needs to friendly and allied nations through cooperation and technology transfer.

STM will be present at Expodefensa 2021 – to be held in Bogota, the capital of Colombia – between November 29 and December 1, where it will introduce its naval projects and tactical mini-UAV system product family to South America. One of the largest defence industry fairs in Latin America and the Caribbean, Expodefensa 2021, will see STM exhibit its CF3500 Frigate – the I-Class Frigate offered to the Colombian Navy that is based on MiLGEM design – and its tactical mini-UAV systems ALPAGU, KARGU, and TOGAN.

STM's Corvette and Frigate Projects Attract the Attention of South America

The indigenous military naval platforms designed by STM are being closely followed by South American countries. In addition to the Offshore Patrol Ship (OPV), designed for surface defence warfare, effective uninterrupted reconnaissance, surveillance, and patrol missions on the high seas and in coastal waters, South American countries are also keeping a close eye on the MiLGEM Ada Class Corvette and I-Class Frigate.

STM Plays a Critical Role in Fulfilling the Turkish Navy Needs

STM is engaged in collaborations, technology transfer, and business development activities in more than 20 countries, from South America to the Far East. As part of its design, construction, and modernization activities, STM produces Indigenous and flexible engineering solutions for the surface and submarine platforms of the Turkish Navy – one of the most active navies in the world – and those of friendly and allied nations to address specific needs and ensure more effective mission performance.

The systems used successfully on the field by the Turkish Navy are exported overseas by STM as quality, affordable, and modern engineering solutions. With its long-term service support and indigenously developed weapon systems, STM makes a difference by rendering its products and capabilities available to national navies even in the presence of embargoes.

STM Carries Out the Project for TCG ISTANBUL, Turkey's First National Frigate

The Turkish Naval Forces are making active use of the four MiLGEM Ada-Class Corvettes under a project in which STM was the Main Sub-contractor and undertook various crucial tasks. STM has designed and is the main contractor of TCG ISTANBUL, Turkey's first national Frigate, and is continuing in its efforts to deliver the ship in 2023 with an indigenization rate of at least 75 percent.

Pioneering Submarine Projects

STM also undertakes important tasks in the submarine modernization and construction projects of the Turkish Navy. STM, having successfully modernized two AY-Class Submarines in its role as the main contractor, has also taken part in the modernization of four Turkish Navy Preveze-Class Submarines as the lead contractor. Another program in which STM plays a critical role is the Turkish Navy New Type Submarine Project with an Air Independent Propulsion System (Reis Class). In this context, STM has achieved historical success in manufacturing the Torpedo Section of the vessel, which houses the torpedo tubes for the first time in Turkey, joining the few countries in the world with such a capability.

STM Begins Corvette Construction for the Ukrainian Navy

STM attaches great importance to cost-effectiveness, uninterrupted technical support, and knowledge transfer in every project in which it is involved, creating collaborations that will enhance the defence capabilities of nations. Under a project that included technology transfer elements, STM has begun the construction of a Corvette for the Ukrainian Navy this year. STM built and delivered the Pakistan Fleet Tanker PNS MOAWIN in Karachi. Designed for the Pakistan Navy, the ship represents Turkey's largest military shipbuilding project in terms of tonnage. Continuing its activities in the country as the main contractor in the modernization project for Pakistan's Agosta 90B Khalid-Class submarines, STM has gained the trust of the Pakistan Navy with the projects it has delivered successfully to date. Finally, STM is also currently involved in constructing four Ada-Class Corvettes to be built by Turkey for Pakistan, bringing all its engineering capabilities to the project for the procurement and integration of the main propulsion system.

Tactical Mini UAV Systems

The attack and surveillance UAV systems developed by STM using its own engineering and technological capabilities are being used to full effect by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in the provision of border security, as well as in international operations. A leading and competitive producer both in Turkey and around the world in the field of tactical mini-UAV development, STM's product range consists of Fixed-Wing Autonomous Tactical Attack UAV System ALPAGU, Rotary-Wing Attack UAV System KARGU, and Autonomous Multi-Rotor Reconnaissance UAV System TOGAN.

Great interest in KARGU among world armies

KARGU, which has been in TAF's inventory since 2018, achieved its first export this year (2021). As the exports of KARGU continue, negotiations are underway with various nations interested in the product. KARGU, which has proven its capabilities in various battlefields, performs its duties under complete human control under the principle of "Man-in-the-loop."

ALPAGU, on the other hand, stands out with its light structure, dive speed, low radar cross-section, speed, and ability to cause point damage against critical targets. ALPAGU can be carried by a single soldier and fired from a launcher, weighing only 1.9 kg. Having passed its firing tests, ALPAGU is set to enter the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in the coming weeks.

STM Expodefensa 2021 Stand Information

Stand: C-151

Expodefensa 2021 Fair Information

Date: November 29 - December 1, 2021

Venue: Corferias, Bogota Colombia