STM’s entry into the European market with its KARGU and ALPAGU loitering munitions represents a significant milestone for Turkish autonomous weapons exports. The contract emphasizes integration and software as much as hardware, with the systems set to be mounted on armored vehicles and linked to existing battle management networks. Rather than a one-time sale, STM will work closely with the customer to ensure compatibility with operational concepts and command structures, potentially expanding deployment across additional platforms. Both KARGU and ALPAGU have operational pedigrees within Turkey, offering swarm capability, precision strike, and resilience in contested environments. The agreement follows broader Turkish defense industry penetration into NATO markets, reinforcing Ankara’s position as a competitive supplier of unmanned and autonomous systems.
