STM’s new-generation fixed-wing VTOL UAV, TURUL, has successfully passed critical stages in its field test campaign, demonstrating autonomous take-off, navigation, target tracking and precision landing capabilities.
Developed by STM with national engineering capabilities, TURUL was first unveiled at IDEF 2025 as a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle designed for both military and civilian missions. The platform combines the range and endurance advantages of fixed-wing UAVs with the operational flexibility of vertical take-off and landing.
This means TURUL can operate without runway infrastructure and can be deployed from land positions or naval platforms, making it suitable for missions where conventional UAV launch and recovery options are limited.
Autonomous Capabilities Demonstrated in Flight Tests
In the latest field test footage, TURUL performs autonomous take-off and navigation before tracking both stationary and moving targets. After completing its mission sequence, the UAV returns and lands successfully.
The tests also demonstrated QR code marker-based landing supported by mmWave radar, allowing the system to autonomously return to a designated point with very high precision. This capability is especially important for naval operations, confined landing zones and missions where safe recovery must be achieved under difficult conditions.
STM is continuing qualification tests for TURUL while also carrying out preparations for serial production in parallel.
Designed for Sub-Cloud ISR Missions
TURUL is optimized for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, especially in sub-cloud operating conditions.
With integrated EO/IR imaging systems, the UAV can support real-time video transmission during day and night operations. STM’s official product data also lists target tracking and target identification among the system’s core capabilities.
The platform can be used for tactical reconnaissance, area surveillance, target detection, border security, strategic facility protection and naval missions. Its ability to operate below cloud cover allows it to maintain visual contact with targets in weather conditions that may limit higher-altitude UAV operations.
STM: Runway Independence and Secure Data Processing
STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz stated that modern defense platforms are no longer evaluated only by their ability to fly, but also by how quickly and securely they process battlefield data.
He emphasized that TURUL combines the operational range advantages of fixed-wing UAVs with the flexibility of vertical take-off and landing, eliminating the need for runway infrastructure.
According to Güleryüz, TURUL can take off and land from naval platforms or any suitable land point. Its sub-cloud operational capability enables uninterrupted intelligence gathering even in difficult weather and high-altitude mission environments.
TURUL VTOL UAV Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flight Range | 200 km |
| Communication Range | 60 km LOS |
| Operational Flight Altitude | 2,000 m MSL |
| Endurance | 2 hours |
| Take-Off Weight | 35 kg |
| Wingspan | 3.6 m |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C / +50°C |
Key Capabilities
TURUL offers vertical take-off and landing, autonomous mission planning, GNSS jamming-resistant navigation, QR marker-based precision landing, mmWave radar-supported autonomous landing and real-time EO/IR video transmission.
The system can also support reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, payload delivery, surface mine detection and target tracking missions. STM’s official product page also highlights its multi-role structure, modular design and ability to operate from surface platforms.
Strategic Importance
TURUL strengthens STM’s unmanned aerial systems portfolio by adding a runway-independent ISR platform with fixed-wing endurance and VTOL flexibility.
For military users, this type of platform can reduce dependence on prepared runways and provide faster deployment from forward areas, ships or temporary bases. For naval forces, TURUL can support surface surveillance, mine detection and beyond-line-of-sight intelligence missions from sea platforms.
With its ongoing test campaign, autonomous landing architecture and serial production preparations, TURUL is positioned as one of STM’s key next-generation UAV solutions for tactical ISR and multi-role unmanned operations.
