DEPLOYED

KARGU-2

TR — STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik)
Autonomous Drone
DEPLOYED
2019

Description

Autonomous rotary-wing attack drone capable of using deep learning algorithms to identify and engage targets without operator command. Classified as a lethal autonomous weapon.

The KARGU-2 represents one of the first autonomous weapon systems reportedly used in actual combat without real-time human command, crossing a threshold that arms control experts had long warned against. Its deep learning algorithms are trained on thousands of target images to distinguish combatants and their equipment in complex environments with high accuracy. Turkey has marketed KARGU-2 aggressively for export, raising international concerns about proliferation of fully autonomous lethal systems.

Notable Use

UN panel of experts reported possible autonomous engagement of Haftar forces in Libya 2020

Related Systems

Investment Implications

STM is a Turkish government-affiliated company and not publicly traded. Investors seeking exposure to Turkey's defense sector may consider Turkish defense conglomerate Aselsan (ASELS.IS) on the Istanbul exchange.