The ALPAGUT smart loitering munition, jointly developed by Türkiye’s STM and ROKETSAN, has completed a successful test launch from the Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The test took place over the Black Sea near the coastal province of Sinop.
During the test, the munition was released from the AKINCI, loitered in the target area, autonomously identified and evaluated a maritime target, and conducted a precision strike. The flight marked a continuation of ALPAGUT’s ongoing test campaign, which previously included ground-based trials.
The latest test confirmed the munition’s wing deployment, navigation, and electro-optical guidance systems under airborne conditions. ALPAGUT is designed to engage stationary or moving targets on land or at sea, including radar and communication systems, lightly armored platforms, personnel, and other critical assets.
According to STM, the munition features a range of up to 60 kilometers, an endurance exceeding one hour, and operates under both day and night conditions. It is equipped with a dual-mode seeker, is resistant to jamming, and can be deployed individually or in swarm formations. After release, it autonomously loiters, identifies targets, and executes an attack dive upon user confirmation.
The system is compatible with various manned and unmanned platforms and supports rapid integration with domestic UCAV systems. Its modularity allows it to be configured for different operational requirements and warhead types.
The ALPAGUT program was initiated to address growing demand for autonomous strike capabilities amid evolving battlefield conditions and recent global conflicts. Developers aim to position the system as a flexible, platform-agnostic option for tactical strike missions across a range of scenarios.
