According to a statement by Turkey’s Defense Industries Authority, a new Turkish-made indigenous kamikaze drone, Alpagu, developed by Turkish defense company, STM, successfully carried out a test firing with ammunition. Able to operate effectively day and night by a single soldier, Alpagu hit its target with full accuracy in the test firing carried out at the Aksaray Shooting Range. After launching, Alpagu, which flew for about 10 minutes, followed the target through image tracking software. Undetected until the last moment, Alpagu destroyed its target with the ammunition on it.
STM Alpagu is a fixed-wing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle produced in Turkey by STM that has been designed for asymmetric warfare or counter-insurgency. “Kargu” is means observation tower at the top of the mountain in Turkish language. Its also called Eurasian sparrowhawk in Turkey. Alpagu is distinguished by its lightweight structure, diving speed, low radar cross-section and its ability to do pinpoint damage to high-value, important targets. There are versions of Alpagu that can be launched from armed unmanned aerial platforms, as well.
It weighs less than 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) and is one of the few such UAVs in the world. Despite its small size and light weight, Alpagu carries enough explosives to neutralize targets, can work at very long distances and can be easily transported and used by a single soldier. The system is comprised of “Fixed-Wing Smart Ammunition System”, Launcher” and “Ground Control Station” components. Alpagu is set apart from competitors with features such as the ability to be used as a herd and integration with various platforms.
STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş.) is a company operating in Turkey, operating in the civil, public and private sectors. STM is planning larger, more explosive, longer-range and faster versions of Alpagu. After STM developed a small-size platform under 2 kilograms, larger platforms will soon be ready for use. The platforms that can engage more than 10 kilograms and bigger targets will be produced. Following deliveries starting this year, STM aims to create an Alpagu product family with products that will be diversified beginning next year.
