STM Completes Delivery of ALPAGU Fixed-Wing Strike UAVs to Turkish Military

STM Defense Technologies has completed deliveries of the ALPAGU fixed-wing strike unmanned aerial vehicle to Turkish security forces.

The lightweight, low-radar-cross-section platform is designed for short-range strike tasks and comprises a launcher, the air vehicle and a ground control station. Electro-optical and infrared sensors enable day-and-night operations, while an AI-powered image-processing suite provides target tracking and fire control. Each launch has an effective range of 8 kilometres and an on-target flight time of roughly 15 minutes; the platform weighs under 2 kilograms, is man-portable, and can be deployed within one minute.

STM said ALPAGU is intended for counter-terrorism, cross-border operations and urban conflict, and includes mission-change capability, self-destruct, a MIL-STD-331-compliant electronic proximity fuse, and an image-processing fire control system for precision strikes. A mesh-network communications link allows multiple platforms to be controlled from a single ground control station, and the system can be integrated with land, sea and air platforms. STM emphasized that target engagement remains under operator authority via a man-in-the-loop control model.

The company completed its first export of an ALPAGU unit in 2023 and has since carried out domestic deliveries. STM said the system’s small size and low radar cross-section reduce detection risk and aid precise munitions delivery, and noted that the flight control and mission computer were developed in-house; navigation can be fully autonomous, while target selection and weapon release require operator approval.