STM Showcases Naval Innovation at DSA 2026

Turkish Naval Innovation Takes Centre Stage

Our Bureau - : Apr 19, 2026 - : 6:35 pm

STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. is spearheading a significant Turkish presence at the Defence Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur this April. As a primary subsidiary of the Secretariat of Defence Industries, the company is leveraging the biennial event to showcase its transition from a domestic powerhouse to a critical strategic partner for Asia-Pacific maritime security. This year's participation highlights a robust portfolio ranging from sophisticated frigate designs to autonomous loitering munitions, reflecting the deepening industrial ties between Ankara and Southeast Asian capitals.

The central pillar of the firm’s regional strategy remains the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Littoral Mission Ship Batch-2 project. Construction of three corvettes is currently progressing at an accelerated pace within Turkish shipyards, with officials confirming that all three vessels are scheduled for launch before the conclusion of 2026. Beyond these active hulls, the company is introducing its Multi-Role Support Ship design, which has been specifically engineered to address the multifaceted logistics and humanitarian assistance requirements of the Malaysian fleet.

Subsurface Strategic Edge

In the realm of underwater warfare, the company is presenting the STM500 submarine alongside the STM NETA unmanned underwater vehicle to address growing regional demands for littoral stealth. These offerings are backed by a proven track record in complex modernization programmes, most notably the enhancement of Pakistan’s French-built Agosta 90B-class fleet. By managing the upgrade of ten Type-209 submarines for the Turkish Navy, the firm has established a technical benchmark that it now seeks to export to other nations operating legacy European platforms.

Autonomous Tactical Systems

The exhibition booth also features a diverse array of unmanned aerial solutions that have seen extensive service in various global conflict zones. The KARGU rotary-wing loitering munition, which has reached four continents, serves as the flagship of the tactical mini-UAV segment. This is complemented by the TOGAN autonomous surveillance system and the BOYGA ammunition drop drone, both of which are currently operational within the Turkish Armed Forces and several international security agencies.

Flexible Engineering Philosophy

General Manager Özgür Güleryüz has emphasised that the company’s competitive advantage lies in its willingness to provide open technology transfer and fast delivery cycles. This approach aims to foster self-sufficiency among allied nations rather than maintaining a traditional buyer-seller dependency. With 28 vessels currently under construction across eight different shipyards, the company demonstrates a scalable project management model that adheres to strict NATO standards while remaining cost-effective for emerging markets.

Regional Security Impact

The expanded cooperation between Turkey and nations like Malaysia and Pakistan represents a shift toward diversifying defence procurement away from traditional Western or Eastern blocs. By providing high-end naval engineering and combat-proven unmanned systems, STM is positioning itself as a neutral but highly capable alternative in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific maritime domain. This strategic positioning is further evidenced by the company's ongoing projects in Ukraine and Portugal, which underscore its ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes through industrial collaboration.