KARGU, developed by Turkish defense company STM, is a domestically produced, portable rotary-wing loitering munition (kamikaze drone) that can be carried by a single soldier. It is capable of detecting and neutralizing both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight targets.
The KARGU platform is equipped with an onboard mission computer that enables it to navigate fully autonomously. It can effectively and accurately engage stationary or moving targets identified within the mission area by the operator. Operating under the “Man-in-the-Loop” principle, the system remains fully under operator control throughout the mission. The system consists of two main components: the Loitering Munition Platform (VİHA) and the Ground Control Unit.
Currently in service with the Turkish Armed Forces and several foreign militaries, KARGU offers reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike capabilities in high-risk and complex combat zones by enabling the detection and confirmation of both visible and hidden targets. Thanks to its mission abort and return-to-base functions, it can be reused after deployment. It is equipped with Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) cameras, allowing it to perform operations both day and night.
KARGU can be configured with different payloads on the same platform. The user can choose between an anti-armor warhead and an anti-personnel explosive payload, depending on mission requirements.
