The system, previously tested in ground-based launches with direct hits, passed airborne release, wing deployment, navigation, and electro-optical guidance trials. STM General Manager Özgür Güleryüz said: “Our nationally engineered smart loitering munition system Alpagut, developed in collaboration with Roketsan, has now successfully completed its first test launch from an airborne platform following its earlier ground tests. With its 60 km operational range, endurance of over 60 minutes, and day/night operational capabilities, Alpagut will be a powerful asset against fixed and moving land or naval targets. I congratulate all our colleagues at STM, Roketsan and Baykar who contributed to this achievement.”
The ALPAGUT programme began to address the urgent need for an effective loitering munition, reflecting the significant role such systems have played in recent conflicts worldwide. Designed for use against stationary and moving targets on land or at sea, as well as radar systems, communication assets, light armoured vehicles, command centres and personnel, Alpagut can carry different types of warheads and operate individually or in swarms.
Once deployed, Alpagut enters target detection, tracking and evaluation mode, remaining airborne before initiating an autonomous attack dive with user authorisation. Its two-mode seeker enables detection without being noticed and resistance to jamming, while precision guidance and a fire-and-forget capability enhance operational effectiveness.
The system can be rapidly integrated into manned and unmanned platforms on land, air, or sea, including domestically-produced UCAVs, enabling quick engagement of mobile air defence systems, strategic ground targets and asymmetric threats. STM and Roketsan expect Alpagut to be a significant addition to Türkiye’s defence capabilities.
