Turkish defence company explores production in Qatar

• STM signs deal with Qatar’s Barzan
• To develop unmanned aerial systems
• STM supplies Turkish armed forces

Turkish defence manufacturer STM is exploring joint production and development of advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems with Qatar-based Barzan Holdings.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding during the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference.

The companies will target joint production and co-development models, primarily focusing on unmanned aerial systems and assessing opportunities related to unmanned naval platforms, STM said in a statement.

An unmanned aerial system includes a UAV, a remote control station and a data link connecting them.

STM will provide engineering, systems development and technology integration support as a development partner to Barzan.

“The MoU aims to enable the local production, integration and advanced capability development of our tactical UAV systems and our other autonomous capabilities in Qatar,” said Ozgur Guleryuz, general manager of STM. 

The statement claimed its UAV systems are “preferred by more than 15 countries across four continents”.

Established in 1991, STM is one of the major contractors for the Turkish armed forces, producing frigates and attack drones.

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The Daily Sabah newspaper reported that Turkish Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) had also signed an agreement with Barzan Holdings to establish a joint venture to transfer explosives manufacturing capabilities to the Gulf state.

MKE also signed an agreement to sell its Tolga short-range air defence system to the Qatari armed forces.

The comprehensive trade and economic partnership agreement between the two nations came into effect in August last year.

Bilateral trade between Turkey and Qatar was $1.1 billion in 2024, with a foreign trade surplus of $328 million in Ankara’s favour.

The leaders of Turkey and Qatar have set a $5 billion bilateral trade target.