Page 22 - SAHA EXPO 2024 - DAY 1

Export Opportunities Abound for ATAK

Turkish Aerospace’s T129 ATAK twin-en- rotorcraft offerings meet the
gine attack helicopter is now in operation requirements of countries in
with two export customers in the Philippine
and Nigerian Air Force, in addition to the the region very well. So we are
Turkish Land Forces Command and Turkish hopeful and encouraged with
Ministry of Interior. The T129 ATAK, which
can operate in day or night, has proven the success and interest shown
its high performance capabilities in hot, by the countries, whether it is
high, and maritime conditions. Its advanced Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
observation and targeting systems and
precision weapons capability provide lethal and others. Africa is also a big
fire support to surface forces with reduced potential market for us, as is the
collateral damage. Middle East."

Turkish Aerospace is now eyeing greater
export prospects for the attack helicopter. Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, Export Performer
Speaking to Daily News in September, Dr General Manager, Turkish Aerospace The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has complet-
Mehmet Demiroğlu, who recently took over ed the induction of all six Turkish Aerospace
as General Manager at Turkish Aerospace. batch of six helicopters. They T129 ‘ATAK’ helicopters ordered in July
said the T129 is the best helicopter in its 2020. The last of six T129s was delivered
class. The T129 has been tested by a num- like the ATAK and as I said, the to the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing earlier this
ber of countries in varying conditions, and product is very good. We are May. “These dedicated attack helicopters
the helicopter has passed the tests with very confident that it will serve are expected to enhance the combat oper-
flying colours. “We are working on all the needs of Philippines or ational capability of PAF and address the

more exports and are currently capability gap identified in urban warfare,”
in discussions with Nigeria and any other government agency a PAF spokesperson said.
the Philippines for the sale of in the region.” The Philippines is the first export cus-
more T129 ATAKS.” Regarding the Commenting on the market prospects tomer to receive the T129. The PAF has
sale of additional T129s to the Philippines, for Turkish Aerospace, Demiroğlu said, also requested for the integration of a few
Demiroğlu said, “we are in discus- “SE Asia is a growing and im- American weapons, which is expected to be
completed sometime in the near future. The
sions for the sale of a second portant market for us, as our helicopters were ordered in July 2020 and

22 OCTOBER-22-2024 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS