STM Tonga-X drone successfully intercepts target in naval exercises

Turkish defense company STM announced the successful interception of a simulated enemy drone using its Tonga-X interceptor drone. The mission took place during the ‘Tornas-2026’ naval maneuvers organized by the Turkish Naval Forces in the Gulf of Antalya and the eastern Mediterranean.

The Tonga-X utilizes a combination of radar and image-based guidance to track targets in real-time, achieving a direct mid-air hit. Designed to protect critical infrastructure and military units from low-cost suicide drones, the system operates with a speed of 300 km/h and has an operational range of 25 kilometers.

Key technical features include vertical take-off capabilities, allowing for deployment from various platforms without a launch pad, and the ability to operate continuously during both day and night. The system is designed to integrate with drone detection radars to provide an economical and effective solution against asymmetric aerial threats.