STM has unveiled KUZGUN, a new long-range kamikaze UAV designed to provide Türkiye with a strategic deep-strike capability against high-value targets.
Developed by STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., KUZGUN represents a major expansion of the company’s unmanned systems portfolio from tactical loitering munitions to strategic-range autonomous strike systems.
The system will be publicly displayed for the first time at SAHA EXPO 2026, where STM is introducing several new autonomous platforms for air and naval domains. STM’s official SAHA 2026 statement says the long-range loitering munition is designed to autonomously neutralize critical targets such as command centers, air defense elements and radar installations.
Strategic Deep-Strike Capability
KUZGUN is designed for long-range missions against strategic targets located deep behind enemy lines.
With a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, a high-explosive warhead and low radar signature, the platform is intended to create a cost-effective deterrent effect in modern conflict environments. STM has also released the first footage from the system’s initial test flights.
STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz stated that global and regional crises have once again shown the decisive role of long-range, cost-effective strike systems on the battlefield.
According to Güleryüz, KUZGUN aims to strengthen Türkiye’s strategic deterrence by offering an indigenous long-range loitering munition capable of striking critical targets, including command centers, air defense assets and radar systems. He also emphasized that the system is equipped with national software, an electronic warfare-resistant navigation architecture and low-altitude flight capability.
Runway-Independent Launch
One of KUZGUN’s key features is its runway-independent launch capability.
The system can take off from mobile ground platforms or fixed launchers using a rocket-assisted take-off system. This gives KUZGUN operational flexibility and allows it to be deployed without relying on conventional air bases or runway infrastructure.
This feature is especially important for deep-strike missions, where survivability, mobility and launch-site flexibility can directly affect operational success.
Electronic Warfare-Resistant and Fully Autonomous
KUZGUN is optimized for conflict zones where GNSS jamming and electronic warfare threats are intense.
The system can conduct fully autonomous flight based on pre-planned routes and target data. It uses a jamming-resistant navigation architecture and GNSS-aided precision coordinate dive capability to reach its target.
This gives KUZGUN the ability to operate in contested environments where conventional navigation and communication links may be disrupted.
KUZGUN UMK Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flight Range | 1,000+ km |
| Endurance | 6 hours |
| Take-Off Weight | 200 kg |
| Mission Altitude | 3,500 m MSL |
STM’s Expanding Unmanned Systems Portfolio
KUZGUN is part of STM’s broader shift toward multi-domain autonomous warfare systems.
STM has already developed and exported tactical unmanned systems such as KARGU, ALPAGU, TOGAN and BOYGA. At SAHA 2026, the company is expanding this portfolio with six new unmanned autonomous systems for air and naval domains.
STM’s official statement says the company will also introduce a new ALPAGU variant with increased range and payload capacity, an interceptor UAV designed to neutralize hostile drones in the air, a mini reconnaissance and surveillance system, an extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle, and a next-generation kamikaze unmanned surface vessel.
This broader product family shows that STM is moving beyond individual platforms and developing an integrated autonomous systems architecture based on swarm intelligence, GNSS-independent navigation and multi-domain operations.
Why KUZGUN Matters
KUZGUN enters the scene at a time when long-range loitering munitions are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare.
Such systems offer a combination of range, autonomy, lower cost and precision strike capability. They can be used to saturate air defenses, target command infrastructure, strike radar systems and conduct deep operations without risking pilot lives.
For Türkiye, KUZGUN could add a new layer to the country’s indigenous long-range strike capability. It also strengthens STM’s position in the global unmanned systems market, where demand is growing rapidly for cost-effective autonomous strike platforms.
With its 1,000+ km range, autonomous mission capability and runway-independent launch architecture, KUZGUN positions STM as a stronger player in the strategic loitering munition segment.
