Turkish firm starts mass production of indigenous ‘kamikaze’ drones

ANKARA

A Turkish defense company has started the mass production of a series of new drones with high-tech capabilities to be used in security operations, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Oct. 22.

The new drone family, which was developed by STM Defense Technologies and Engineering Co. for the Turkish Armed Forces and the Undersecretary of Defense Industry (SSM), was first exhibited at the 13th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in May in Istanbul.

SSM Undersecretary and STM Chair İsmail Demir told Anadolu Agency that the mass production of the new group of drones started, adding that the first products would be delivered very soon to security forces.

STM’s “kamikaze drones,” which have the capability to strike and hit, and autonomous drones, which are equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms for monitoring, will be used together in operations.

One of the drones is “Alpagu,” which means a brave person who fights against an enemy. The Alpagu drones, which can be used both autonomously or manual, have fixed wings and can be launched from a lancer. This drone can be made ready in just 45 seconds, according to the report.

“Togan,” which was developed for monitoring purposes and uses artificial intelligence algorithms, has fairly high optical zooming capabilities and high flight performance.

The Togans are planned together with kamikaze drones, such as the Alpagu and “Kargu,” during security operations, according to the report.