STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., which has played a key role in the significant progress seen in the field of defence in the past couple of years in Turkey, offers critical solutions in such areas as naval platforms, tactical mini-UAV systems and cyber security.
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 agreements.
STM is joining the DSA 2022 Exhibition, taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 28–31 March, where it will be introducing its innovative and national solutions to Southeast Asia.
At DSA 2022, STM is introducing Turkey’s first national frigate the İstif (I)-Class Frigate (photo), the MİLGEM Ada-Class Corvette, the Coast Guard Ship CG-3100, as well as tactical mini UAV systems ALPAGU, KARGU and TOGAN, to Asia Pacific countries.
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 flexible indigenous engineering solutions for the surface and submarine platforms of Turkey, a NATO member with one of the most active navies in the world, and for the navies of friendly and allied nations, to address specific needs and ensure more effective mission performance.
The systems being used successfully in the field by the Turkish Navy are being exported overseas by STM as quality, affordable and modern engineering solutions. STM, with its long-term service support and indigenously developed weapon systems, makes a difference by rendering its products and capabilities available to national navies even while under embargoes.
The Turkish Naval Forces are making active use of the four MiLGEM Ada-Class Corvettes produced under a project in which STM was the main subcontractor and undertook various crucial tasks. STM has designed and is the main contractor of TCG İSTANBUL, Turkey's first national frigate, and will deliver the ship in 2023 with an indigenisation rate of at least 75 percent.
STM delivered TCG UFUK (A-591), a test and training ship built under a project in which it was serving as the main contractor, at a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 14 January, 2022. The Logistic Support Ship is another project being carried out under STM’s responsibility. TCG GÜNGÖR DURMUŞ (A-574), the first ship to be built under the Logistic Support Ship Project, launched to meet a logistical need of the Turkish Naval Forces, was put into operation in December 2021. UTGM ARİF EKMEKÇİ (A-575), the second ship in the project, is scheduled to be delivered in 2024. STM is the main design contractor in the Turkish-type Fast Patrol Boat Project.
Furthermore, STM has three different coast guard ship concepts, including CG-3100, CG-1071 and CG-104. STM provides turnkey solutions for Coast Guard Ships to be configured in accordance with each country’s maritime law enforcement agency requirements.
STM is also undertaking important tasks in the submarine modernisation and construction projects of the Turkish Navy. Having modernised two AY-Class Submarines as main contractor, STM is now taking part in the modernisation of four Turkish Navy Preveze-Class Submarines as the lead contractor. Another programme in which STM is playing a critical role is the Turkish Navy New Type Submarine Project (Type-214) featuring an Air Independent Propulsion System - taking a significant step in the realisation of the Turkish National Submarine Project. In this context, STM has achieved historic success with the first-time local production of the head section (section 50) that houses the torpedo tubes, adding Turkey to the short list of countries in the world with such a capability. There is keen interest in “STM 500”, the company’s small submarine from different parts of the world.
STM attaches great importance to cost-effectiveness, uninterrupted technical support and knowledge transfer in every project in which it is involved, and creating collaborations that will enhance the defence capabilities of other nations. Under a project that included technology transfer elements, STM began the construction of a Corvette for the Ukrainian Navy in 2021. In addition, STM has built and delivered the Pakistan Fleet Tanker PNS MOAWIN in Karachi. Designed for the Pakistan Navy, as Turkey’s largest military shipbuilding project to date in tonnage terms.
Having won the trust of the Pakistan Navy with the success of its projects in the country to date, STM is currently involved in the construction of Four Ada-Class Corvettes, to be built by Turkey for Pakistan. The company is bringing all its engineering capabilities to the project for the procurement and integration of the main propulsion system.
Acting as the main contractor in the modernisation of the Agosta 90B Khalid-Class Submarines owned by Pakistan, STM has delivered the first submarine and is currently carrying out the modernisation of the remaining two. Agosta 90B Class Submarine PNS/M HAMZA (S-139), modernized by STM for the Pakistan Navy, managed to hit and sink a decommissioned frigate with a single torpedo shot during the SEASPARK-2022 Tactical Exercise.
Lastly, 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) for 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.
KARGU, which has been in TAF’s inventory since 2018, achieved its first export in 2021, and negotiations are under way with several different countries that have stated an interest in the product. ALPAGU on the other hand, stands out with its light structure, its dive speed, its low radar cross-section, its speed and its ability to cause point damage against key targets. Having completed live-fire tests, ALPAGU will soon be delivered to TAF.
