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STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade has delivered its domestically developed Alpagu fixed-wing loitering munition system to Turkish security forces, marking the continuation of the company's expansion of its tactical unmanned aerial vehicle portfolio.
Known colloquially as a "kamikaze drone," the Alpagu system represents STM's latest addition to a family of tactical UAVs developed by Turkish engineers to meet national security requirements.
"Our family of tactical UAVs, developed with our advanced engineering capabilities to meet the needs of our country, continues to strengthen operational effectiveness in the field. Following our surveillance, loitering, and ammunition-drop UAVs, we are now continuing deliveries with our fixed-wing loitering munition system Alpagu," the STM General Director Ozgur Guleryuz said in a statement on Friday.
"We believe that Alpagu will further enhance our operational effectiveness in the field," he added.
The Alpagu system was first exported in 2023, according to STM. The company is now proceeding with domestic deliveries as it continues expanding its tactical UAV portfolio.
Named after an old Turkish word meaning "a brave man who attacks the enemy alone," Alpagu distinguishes itself through its lightweight construction, high diving speed, low radar cross-section, and low velocity, enabling precision strikes on significant targets.
The system is capable of conducting active missions in counterterrorism operations, cross-border engagements, and urban conflicts, with an effective range of up to 8 kilometers.
The Alpagu fixed-wing autonomous tactical attack UAV is designed for both reconnaissance and surveillance operations and for striking targets outside the line of sight with high accuracy. A single soldier can carry the system and operate it either autonomously or remotely.
The system consists of three primary components: the "Fixed-Wing Smart Ammunition System," the launcher and the ground control station.
Equipped with wide-angle integrated electro-optical and infrared imaging systems, Alpagu operates effectively during day and night missions. After launch, Alpagu maintains flight for approximately 15 minutes, successfully tracking targets through embedded real-time image processing and deep learning algorithms developed with national capabilities.
"With its low radar cross-section and small size, Alpagu remains undetected by targets until the final moment, then destroys its target with precision accuracy using its onboard warhead," according to STM's specifications.
The system features MIL-STD-331-compliant advanced electronic ammunition safety, setup, and trigger systems, mission-change capability, and self-destruct functionality. Image processing-based control applications provide precise strike capability throughout the operational envelope.
Alpagu incorporates fully indigenous embedded hardware and software. The aircraft features a low radar cross-section platform design achieved through composite body construction and specialized avionics architecture.
The system conducts fully autonomous navigation through its mission computer and flight control system developed by STM engineers, while target detection and engagement remain entirely under operator control, following the "Man-in-the-Loop" principle.
The system's ultra-lightweight design measures 883 millimeters in wingspan with a diameter of 105 millimeters and a length of 653 millimeters. The complete fixed-wing munition system weighs 1,950 grams—under 2 kilograms—making it deployable and operable by a single soldier.
Alpagu operates with an endurance of 15 minutes and maintains a control distance of 8 kilometers in line-of-sight operations.
The system operates at flight altitudes between 80 and 200 meters above ground level with a cruise speed of 20 meters per second. The onboard warhead carries 270 grams of payload.
The fixed-wing design incorporates high-performance navigation, flight control and guidance algorithms optimized for precision strikes against fixed or moving targets. The system offers wide lateral view angle capability and advanced image processing-based control applications.
The Alpagu ground control unit features mobile operation and a ruggedized, high-precision touchscreen display that offers full sunlight readability.
The unit meets MIL-STD-810G military environmental qualification standards and incorporates water- and dust-resistant capabilities.
The ground control unit operates for up to two hours continuously and maintains an operational temperature range from negative 20°C to 50°C (negative 4°F to 122°F).
The unit provides both internal and external antenna options and features multiple interface connectivity, including USB, Ethernet and HDMI connections. Harness mount and sunshade provisions are available for field deployment.
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A single operator can easily transport Alpagu and deploy the system in the operational area in under a minute. The system's artificial intelligence, image processing capabilities, silent operation and payload delivery accuracy provide significant force multiplication and operational advantage.
Alpagu distinguishes itself from competitors through its integration capability with different platforms—ground, maritime and aerial vehicles. Through its network-based communications system, which uses a mesh architecture, multiple platforms can be controlled from a single ground control station, enabling multi-mission operations.
Weighing less than 2 kilograms, Alpagu is among only two systems globally in its weight category with comparable capabilities.
Developed by STM engineers, the mission computer and flight control system enable Alpagu to conduct fully autonomous navigation. Target detection and destruction follow the "Man-in-the-Loop" principle, with target identification and engagement remaining entirely under operator control.
"These capabilities provide Alpagu with superior strike precision while maintaining full operational oversight," STM stated.
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