STM deploys RF Seeker KARGU against FPV drone threats
STM has successfully integrated its developed RF Seeker Payload into the KARGU loitering munition. Capable of detecting all types of RF-emitting systems, KARGU has now been field-tested against one of the most pressing threats on the modern battlefield – FPV drones.
As a pioneer in Türkiye’s defense industry, STM continues to develop high-impact technologies designed to shape the battlefield. Its latest innovation – KARGU integrated with an RF Seeker Head – has successfully completed field tests and demonstrated its effectiveness against FPV drone threats, which have become increasingly prominent in recent conflicts.
Güleryüz: We Have Delivered a Deterrent Capability Against FPV Drone Threats
STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz emphasized the company’s focus on disruptive battlefield technologies and stated: “KARGU with integrated RF Seeker is more than just a drone. It is a fully autonomous, smart electronic warfare solution developed by STM engineers to detect, track, and eliminate electromagnetic threats in the field. Our RF Seeker technology reflects STM’s advanced capabilities in autonomous systems and EW. It can detect a wide range of RF signals and guide KARGU toward RF-emitting targets for effective, low-cost neutralization. In our field tests, the RF-equipped KARGU successfully detected a hostile FPV pilot’s location using both external and internal antenna signals. Under operator control, KARGU performed a precision dive and eliminated the target. This capability represents a smart and cost-effective deterrent against the rapid spread of FPV drone threats. Moreover, our system enables KARGU to blind and neutralize high-value enemy assets such as radar systems, air defense, and electronic warfare platforms – produced at millions of dollars – with a far more economical solution.”
RF Seeker KARGU at IDEF
The RF Seeker Payload, developed entirely with domestic capabilities, is designed to provide electronic warfare functionality for mini/micro-class UAVs. The system features wideband frequency coverage, direction finding, autonomous guidance, and platform-independent integration. Thanks to its software-defined radio (SDR) architecture, the payload can be upgraded to meet evolving operational requirements. It can detect RF signals emitted by FPV drone controllers, air defense systems, and enemy EW platforms in both GNSS-enabled and GNSS-denied environments. STM is showcasing the RF Seeker-Equipped KARGU at IDEF 2025.
Key features & capabilities
- Operational Range: 10km
- Endurance: 25 Minutes
- Target Detection at Altitudes Between 50-500m
- Platform Independent Integration
- Flexible Software-Defined RF Architecture
- Operation Across a Wide Frequency Range
- Target Frequency Scanning
- Detection of Friendly And Enemy RF Emissions
- Autonomous Guidance Towards RF Emissions
- Anti-Personnel Munition
