Turkish defence technology is poised to take flight in Qatar as STM, one of Türkiye’s leading domestic defence companies, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar-based Barzan Holdings. This collaboration aims to jointly produce and develop advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned naval platforms, marking a significant step in defence industry cooperation between the two nations.
The agreement was announced at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), attended by Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar’s deputy prime minister and minister of state for defence affairs, and Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).
Under the MoU, STM and Barzan Holdings aim to establish local production and integration of STM’s combat-proven tactical UAV systems in Qatar, while also advancing their future capabilities. STM, established in 1991, is renowned for its expertise in producing air and naval systems, including national frigates like TCG Istanbul and advanced drones such as the rotary-wing attack drone Kargu and the fixed-wing tactical attack drone Alpagu.
“The strong strategic relations between Türkiye and Qatar continue to be reinforced through concrete projects in the defence industry,” said Özgür Guleryuz, general manager of STM. “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.”
Guleryuz further emphasised the importance of sharing engineering strength and technological expertise with friendly and allied countries. “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 defence ecosystems. We believe this cooperation will provide long-term contributions to the defence and aerospace capabilities of both nations.”
The collaboration will see STM providing engineering, systems development, and technology integration support to Barzan Holdings, contributing to the advancement of Qatar’s defence technology ecosystem. This partnership is expected to explore joint production and co-development models, primarily focusing on unmanned aerial systems and assessing opportunities related to unmanned naval platforms.
In a parallel development, the Turkish Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) also signed an agreement with Barzan Holdings to establish a joint venture (JV). This venture aims to transfer explosives manufacturing capabilities to Qatar and includes the sale of high-technology products such as MKE’s Tolga short-range air defence system to the Qatari Armed Forces.
These strategic agreements underscore the deepening defence ties between Türkiye and Qatar, highlighting a shared commitment to innovation and technological advancement in the defence sector. As both nations continue to invest in cutting-edge military technology, this collaboration could set a precedent for future defence industry partnerships in the region.