Turkish STM Announces First Export of BOYGA Autonomous Multi-Rotor Combat Drone to African Market.

On July 9, 2024, STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., a well-known figure in the Türkiye defense industry, announced the first export of BOYGA, its autonomous multi-rotor combat drone. This development marks an important step for Türkiye's national defense industry. The contract for this export, destined for an undisclosed African country, is scheduled for completion in 2024.
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Turkish STM BOYGA Autonomous Multi-Rotor Combat Drone  (Picture source: STM)

BOYGA, the autonomous multi-rotor combat drone developed by Turkish company STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., has been exported for the first time, marking a major turning point for the national defense industry of Türkiye. This first international sale involves an unspecified African country, with deliveries expected to be completed in 2024.

Since being incorporated into the Türkiye armed forces in 2022, BOYGA has been actively used in various operations, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts and international exercises. It notably distinguished itself during the EFES-2024 exercise by hitting targets with remarkable precision.

Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, emphasized the importance of this advancement for both the company and the Türkiye military: "Each member of our mini UAV family has been developed to meet the specific challenges of modern combat fields, and all have now successfully expanded into international markets."

Designed to operate at altitudes up to 3,000 meters, BOYGA can deploy 81 mm mortar ammunition with extreme precision thanks to a sophisticated ballistic estimation algorithm. This capability makes it particularly effective in counter-terrorism and asymmetric warfare contexts. The system is so compact that it can be transported and operated by a single individual, enhancing its flexibility in the field.

The Ammunition Drop UAV is a highly advanced unmanned aerial vehicle designed to carry and deploy 81 mm and 60 mm mortar ammunition. This UAV is equipped with a sophisticated mechanism that safely releases the ammunition at a predetermined target or coordinate, guided by a precise algorithm for mortar ammunition target estimation. It operates on a "Man-in-the-loop" basis, allowing the operator to engage with the target by monitoring and selecting through a processed image displayed on the screen. The integration of the munition system is carried out in collaboration with MKE.

In terms of mechanical and flight characteristics, the UAV measures 800x800x500 mm with a diagonal length of 1150 mm. It has a communication range of 5 km and weighs 15 kg without payload, while its takeoff weight is 17 kg. The UAV boasts an endurance of 30 minutes when carrying one piece of ammunition. It can operate up to a maximum altitude of 3000 meters above mean sea level (MSL) and can reach a cruise speed of 54 km/h. The UAV is also designed to withstand winds up to 10 m/s.

The Ground Control Unit of the UAV includes a 10.1-inch touch screen tablet and a joystick, facilitating efficient operational control. The battery life of the unit is approximately 2 hours, supported by both internal and external antennas for robust communication. The imaging system features a 3-axis gimbal that provides Full HD 1080p resolution (1920*1080) imaging, enhanced by a 30x optical zoom lens, ensuring high-quality visuals crucial for precise targeting and operational efficiency.

The impact of these technologies has been highlighted in the current context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, where the use of drones and similar systems has transformed modern military strategies. "Not only does BOYGA offer a technological advancement with its indigenous software, but it also increases tactical capacity on the battlefield with its specially designed ammunition and prediction algorithm," added Güleryüz.

With this successful first export, STM continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the development of innovative tactical defense systems, ready to meet the needs of the Türkiye army as well as those of its allies. Negotiations are underway for further exports, with STM having increased its production capacity to meet the growing global demand.

Turkish STM BOYGA Autonomous Multi-Rotor Combat Drone with Mortar Payload  (Picture source: STM)