STM Signs Strategic Cooperation on Unmanned Systems in Qatar

20 January 2026

(Image credit: STM)

STM, one of Türkiye’s leading defense companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar-based Barzan Holdings to collaborate on the joint production and development of advanced unmanned aerial systems and unmanned naval platforms.

Developing advanced and modern defense projects, STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. announced a MoU with Qatar-based defense and security industry leader, Barzan Holdings, at the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held in Qatar.

The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs of the State of Qatar, and Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Defense Industries of Türkiye (SSB). Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, and Eng. Mohammed bin Bader Al Sadah, Group CEO of Barzan Holdings, and the parties aim to establish the local production and integration of STM’s combat-proven tactical UAV systems in Qatar, while also advancing their future capabilities.

Within the scope of the cooperation, joint production and co-development models will be explored, primarily focusing on unmanned aerial systems, while also assessing opportunities related to unmanned naval platforms. In addition, STM will provide engineering, systems development, and technology integration support as a development partner to Barzan Holdings, contributing to the advancement of Qatar’s defense technology ecosystem.

Güleryüz: We Aim to Enhance Strategic Capabilities Through Joint Production

Ozgur Guleryuz, General Manager of STM, underlined that the signed MoU represents a strategic step that further deepens defense industry cooperation between the two countries and stated:

“The strong strategic relations between Türkiye and Qatar continue to be reinforced through concrete projects in the defense industry. This goodwill agreement, signed with Barzan Holdings, aims to enable the local production, integration, and advanced capability development of our tactical UAV systems—preferred by more than 15 countries across four continents—as well as our other autonomous capabilities in Qatar. As STM, we attach great importance to sharing our engineering strength and technological expertise with friendly and allied countries, while establishing joint production models and sustainable defense ecosystems. We believe this cooperation will provide long-term contributions to the defense and aerospace capabilities of both nations.”