STM enhances KarguFPV kamikaze drone with armour-piercing warhead and fibre-optic cable

By Defence Industry Europe

Turkish defence company STM has upgraded its national kamikaze drone, KarguFPV, by integrating an armour-piercing warhead and a fibre-optic communication system. These additions significantly expand the drone’s capabilities beyond its earlier configuration, which featured only an anti-personnel warhead.

 

The KarguFPV is designed to counter asymmetric threats with high precision and cost-efficiency, in line with the demands of modern warfare. With the new warhead, the drone can now effectively target armoured vehicles and fortified positions.

The fibre-optic cable allows the KarguFPV to operate unaffected by electromagnetic jamming, enabling secure flights and precision strikes independent of GPS or RF signals. Both new systems have successfully completed their field trials.

 

 

STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz commented: “By upgrading the warhead and communication system of KarguFPV, we have transformed the platform into a more versatile solution. In particular, the addition of armour-piercing munition and fibre-optic cable capability significantly broadens its operational usage on the battlefield.”

Güleryüz added: “As STM, we remain committed to delivering adaptable and indigenous technologies tailored to the evolving nature of modern warfare.”

The KarguFPV combines STM’s expertise in autonomy, image processing, and artificial intelligence to shape future combat environments. Operated via a real-time vision system, the drone can be directed against enemy elements to neutralise targets with either anti-personnel or armour-piercing munitions.

Its high manoeuvrability, low radar cross-section, and effective day and night operation make it suitable for striking both fixed and mobile targets. The system also includes an advanced military-grade fuze, integrated cameras, and a distance fuze sensor for automatic detonation at adjustable distances.

 

 

With its autonomous terminal diving capability supported by image processing, the KarguFPV ensures a precise strike on marked targets. It has a mission range of 10 kilometres, a top speed of 160 km/h, and an endurance of over 20 minutes in kamikaze mode.

The drone’s operational altitude is 500 metres, with a maximum ceiling of 5,500 metres above sea level. In observation mode—without ammunition or fuze—it can remain airborne for up to 44 minutes.

The KarguFPV is an FPV (First Person View) drone, similar to those seen in use during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where they have demonstrated their effectiveness as low-cost, real-time guided attack platforms.

 

 

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