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STM Kargu-2 UAV

Turkey Turkey Unmanned Aerial System
04-03-2024

STM's Kargu-2 is a quadcopter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with extensive autonomous strike capabilities. The Kargu-2 was initially designed as a reconnaissance system. Later editions have been equipped with explosives to carry out kamikaze-style precision-strikes on individual human targets. The system has facial-recognition and swarming features.


Basic Weapon Facts

I. Background

  1. Manufacturer: Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş (STM)
  2. Suppliers: Unknown
  3. Country of origin: Turkey
  4. Developmental stage: Operational
  5. System version: 2
  6. System type: UAS

II. General Specifications

  1. System dimensions: 600 mm x 600 mm x 430 mm
  2. Weight: 7060 grams
  3. Max payload: Unknown
  4. Max operating time: 30 minutes
  5. Max operating Distance/Reach: 5 km
  6. Max speed: 72 km/h

III. Autonomy

Autonomous Targeting capabilities: The Kargu-2 performs "precision strike missions ... fully performed by the operator, in line with the Man-in-the-Loop principle" according to STM's 2024 website. However, earlier versions of the system's publication list "Autonomous and Precise Hit with Minimal Collateral Damage" and "Embedded and Real-Time Object Tracking, Detection and Classification" as capabilities. Kargu-2 drones were possibly used to strike targets autonomously in Libya in 2020; according to a U.N. report, targets were "hunted down and remotely engaged." STM has subsequently denied the autonomy of these attacks.

Sources

  1. Manufacturer websites:
  2. News reports: