STM announced the export of the KARGU rotary-wing kamikaze UAV and ALPAGU tube-launched loitering munition to a customer that is both an EU and NATO member.
The export of STM’s two flagship products in the kamikaze UAV department, KARGU and ALPAGU, marks the first of its kind in terms of customer profile. Within the scope of the export agreement, both UAVs will be integrated on armoured vehicles.
STM CEO Özgür Güleryüz stated that the export carries further value than just the UAVs themselves, as it also includes the integration of the UAVs on customer platforms and the battle management software.
So far, STM has exported its various UAV systems to 15 countries. The tactical UAV family of STM includes the TOGAN Scout UAV, ALPAGUT heavy tube-launched loitering munition, KARGU FPV, and BOYGA munition-dropping UAV in addition to KARGU and ALPAGU. The firm keeps expanding its portfolio with the near-future additions, such as BOYGA-B, a development of BOYGA and a fixed-wing VTOL UAV.
KARGU
KARGU is one of the first UAVs developed by STM as a multi-copter kamikaze UAV that can be fitted with various payloads. The UAV capable of 30 minutes of endurance has the options of a fragmentation warhead or a shaped charge warhead. Additionally, a passive RF sensor can be fitted to intercept communication links for enemy UAVs for crew hunting as a complement to the integrated gimbal optic.
ALPAGU
ALPAGU is a man-portable tube-launched loitering munition intended for soft targets with a range of eight kilometres and 15 minutes of endurance. While it is mainly for man-portable use, it can also be mounted on vehicles with singular or multiple launchers. The small size and weight of less than two kilograms makes the integration of ALPAGU and similar loitering munitions easier for land vehicles with available room.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
