New domestic-made UAV set to join Turkish arsenal

A new Turkish-made indigenous fixed-wing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle is set to boost the arsenal of the Turkish Armed Forces, said industry sources.

Turkish defense company STM is planning to increase the capabilities of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) range with new products, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The suicide drone known as Kargu, already used effectively by the Turkish Armed Forces on the battlefield, will soon be joined by the new UAV Alpagu, part of the class of weapons known as loitering munitions.

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.

It weighs less than 2 kilograms, one of the few such UAVs in the world.

Despite its small size and light weight, Alpagu carries enough explosives to neutralize its target, can work at very long distances, and can be easily transported and used by a single soldier.

It also provides an important surprise effect and operational superiority with its artificial intelligence and image-processing capabilities, silence, and the ability to bring the explosives it carries to the target.

In addition to its superior capabilities, Alpagu is set apart from its competitors with features such as the ability to be used as a herd, and integration with various platforms.

It can be used by a single soldier, as well as versions that can be launched from multiple launchers over armored vehicles.

There are versions of Alpagu that can be launched from armed unmanned aerial platforms as well.

STM is also planning larger, more explosive, longer-range, and faster versions of Alpagu.

After STM developed a small-size platform under 2 kg, larger platforms will be ready for use in a very short time.

After work on larger versions of Alpagu, 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.

* Written by Aysu Bicer