Export Opportunities Abound for ATAK

Our Bureau - : Oct 21, 2024 - : 6:25 pm

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Turkish Aerospace’s T129 ATAK twin-engine attack helicopter is now in operation with two export customers in the Philippine and Nigerian Air Force, in addition to the Turkish Land Forces Command and Turkish Ministry of Interior. The T129 ATAK which can operate in day or night has proven its high performance capabilities in hot, high, and maritime conditions and its advanced observation and targeting systems and precision weapons capability provides lethal fire support to surface forces with reduced collateral damage.

Turkish Aerospace is now eyeing greater export prospects for the attack helicopter. Speaking to Daily News in September, Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, who recently took over as General Manager at Turkish Aerospace said the T129 is the best helicopter in its class and has been tested by a number of countries in number of conditions, where the helicopter has passed these tests with flying colours. “We are working on more exports and are in discussion with Nigeria and the Philippines for the same of more T129 ATAKS.” Regarding the sale of additional T129s to the Philippines, Demiroğlu said, “we are in discussion for the sale of a second batch of six helicopters. They like the ATAK and as I said, the product is very good. We are very confident that it will serve all the needs of Philippines or any other government agency in the region.”

Commenting on the market prospects for Turkish Aerospace, Demiroğlu said, “SE Asia is a growing and important markets for us, as our rotorcraft offerings meet their requirements very well. So we are hopeful and encouraged with the success and interest of the countries, whether it is Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and others. Africa is also a big potential market for us, as is the Middle East.

Export Performer

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has completed the induction of all six Turkish Aerospace T129 ‘ATAK’ helicopters ordered in July 2020. The last of six T129s was delivered to the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing earlier this May. “These dedicated attack helicopters are expected to enhance the combat operational capability of PAF and address the capability gap identified in urban warfare,” a PAF spokesperson said.
The Philippines is the first export customer to receive the T129. The PAF has also requested for the integration of a few American weapons, which is expected to be completed sometime in the near future. The helicopters were ordered in July 2020 and the PAF took delivery of its first two T129s in March, 2022, with two more helicopters delivered in December the same year.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inducted its newly acquired T-129 ATAK helicopters earlier this year in February, at NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue State. The new platforms would enhance NAF's firepower as it jointly confronts the various security challenges in the country, alongside sister services and other security agencies, an NAF spokesperson said. The helicopters will be used for counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, anti-crude oil theft and anti-kidnapping missions in Nigeria. According to Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the NAF plans to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months.

Powerful Performer

The T129 ATAK Helicopter was developed to fulfill the attack helicopter requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces, leveraging Türkiye's specific national capabilities and has been optimized for challenging “hot and high” missions, effectively supporting the operations of the Turkish Armed Forces with its high manoeuvrability and performance in both day and night conditions.

As part of the ATAK Programme, nearly 80 T129 ATAK Helicopters have been built with orders from the Turkish Land Forces Command (59 definite and 17 optional), 27 to the Turkish Ministry of Interior (24 definite and 3 optional), Philippines Air Force (six) and Nigerian Air Force (six). T129 ATAK helicopters are in use with the Turkish Land Forces since Q2 2014.

The T129 is heavy armed for its size with four wing stations carrying a range of weapons and also has a chin-mounted 20 mm turreted gun with 500 rounds. It can carry eight UMTAS Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) or 76 x 70 mm (2.75”) classic rockets or 48 x 70 mm (2.75”) classic rockets or 16 x 70 mm (2.75”) CIRIT guided ATGMs or eight Stinger Air-to-Air (AAM) missiles or two auxiliary fuel tanks carrying 294L each.

The T129 incorporates totally new system philosophy with new engines, avionics, electro-optics and weapons, modified airframe, uprated drive train and new tail rotor. It has a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 5065 kg and can attain a maximum cruise speed of 281 km/h. The helicopter which has a service ceiling of 15,000 feet has a range of 537 km and can stay in the air for eight hours. It is powered by two LHTEC CTS800-4a turboshaft engines, which generate a take-off power of 2X1024 kw.

The attack helicopter’s battlefield survivability maximized by state of the art integrated Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) including advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) processor, Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Laser Warning System (LWS), Missile Warning System (MWS) and advanced self-protection using enhanced chaff and flare Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS), radar and IR jamming capability.

High Export Potential for Gokbey

The T625 GÖKBEY utility helicopter is also receiving strong export interest. This interest has grown since the T625 was demonstrated at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow in July. Turkish Aerospace presently has domestic orders for 20 T625s with production of the helicopters underway. The helicopter will be able to undertake a diverse array of missions, including VIP transport, cargo transport, air ambulance services, search and rescue operations, and offshore transportation missions.

The T625 successfully completed its inaugural flight in September 2018 and in April 2023, the T625 P1 Prototype made its first flight powered by TS1400 Turboshaft engines developed and produced by TEI. The T625 will be able to operate effectively in high-altitude and high-temperature conditions day and night, even in the most challenging climates and geographies and draws upon the knowledge, expertise, experience, and capabilities gained during the ATAK Programme. The design and production of critical systems for the T T625, such as transmission, rotor, landing gear, as well as structural and avionics systems, are being carried out indigenously.