STM secures first European export of Kargu and Alpagu loitering munitions

A still from a video released on 10 June 2024 shows a soldier operating an STM Kargu loitering munition during Exercise ‘Caucasian Eagle 2024' in Azerbaijan. (Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan)

Turkish defence firm STM has signed a contract for its Kargu rotary-wing and Alpagu fixed-wing loitering munition systems for the first time with an unnamed European NATO country.

STM confirmed to Janes in mid-January that both systems will be operationally deployed as part of an autonomous systems project.

The contract represents more than a platform sale. Under the programme, Kargu and Alpagu will be integrated onto armoured land vehicles, with STM also responsible for battle management system (BMS) and combat management software integration. According to STM, the project is designed to ensure full operational alignment with the customer's existing platforms and doctrines and is intended as a reference for potential broader European adoption.

Kargu is a manportable, rotary-wing system with over 30 minutes of endurance and a 10 km range. It uses artificial intelligence (AI)-supported image processing from electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. According to STM, Kargu has a low radar cross-section, supports swarm operations, and can operate despite electronic warfare (EW), or in global navigation satellite services (GNSS)-denied environments. It can be fitted in the field with anti-personnel or armour-piercing warheads and deployed by a single soldier in under one minute.

Alpagu is a lightweight (sub 2 kg), fixed-wing system designed for high-speed dive attacks. It has an 8 km range and 15 minutes endurance, according to STM. With a low radar cross-section and AI target tracking, Alpagu is launchable from land, naval, or air platforms and can be deployed by a single operator within one minute, the company added.