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Domestically developed ATAK helicopter awaits
signature for export to Pakistan
The T129 Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance
Helicopter (ATAK) is awaiting a final signature needed to launch its export to
Pakistan. An export proposal for the helicopter has already been drawn up and
submitted to authorities in Thailand.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) General Manager Temel
Kotil stated that Pakistan has agreed to purchase 30 ATAK helicopters, although
formal procedures are still being completed. The company is soon expected to
sign a purchase agreement with the Pakistani government, Kotil said.
He referred to Pakistani Prime Minister Shadid Khaqan
Abbasi's visit to Turkey last month, when he, as a personal pilot, examined the
T129 ATAK and took it on a test flight.
Afterwards, Abbasi reportedly said, "As a pilot, I
can say that this is the best and the most effective attack helicopter in the
world. The Pakistani Armed Forces has tested this helicopter for four years in
all possible conditions and in its finest detail, and found it to be the
number-one choice and the most successful [helicopter] in technical
terms."
ATAK helicopters have so far recorded 12,000 flight
hours, and the aim is to develop a homegrown engine and a domestically produced
20mm artillery system.
The T129 ATAK helicopter is a new generation, tandem, two-seat,
twin-engine helicopter specifically designed for attack and reconnaissance.
Developed from the combat-proven AgustaWestland A129CBT,
the new aircraft incorporates a new system philosophy with a new engine - LHTEC
CTS 800-4A - new avionics, sight systems and weapons, modified airframe,
uprated drive train and new tail rotor.
On the other hand, Kotil also highlighted that the
Thailand Defense and Security Fair provided great opportunities for meeting
with East Asian countries and expanding the influence of Turkish defense firms
across the region, unleashing its great potential.
The general manager said that the countries in the region
have significant defense needs, saying, "The unmanned armed vehicle (UAV)
ANKA gained attention and we held meetings regarding the exporting of the
vehicle with army officials as well as defense ministers."
"Turkish companies can assume responsibility for
catering to the defense needs of the region and for contributing to relevant
defense projects in those countries," he noted, emphasizing the importance
of the presence of Turkish firms at the fair.
Kotil also informed that the TAI has held meetings with
representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, the
Philippines and South Korea to discuss opportunities for joint defense
projects.
At the fair, the TAI also met with British partners to
discuss and evaluate cooperative efforts for the domestic fighter jet TF-X
project. The architectural process of the project continues and the production
stage for the prototype will be launched, Kotil noted.
The tender for manufacturing of the engine will be
organized by the TAI on behalf of the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries
(SSM) and the chosen contractor for production of the engine will be clarified
in January, according to Kotil.
The TAI is the largest defense and aviation industry
exporter in the country for the sixth time in a row, according to Turkish
Exporters Assembly's (TİM) evaluations for the year 2016.The TAI leads Turkey's
efforts in aerospace technology and is ranked among the top-100 global players
in aerospace and defense. The company has five areas of operation, including
aero-structures, planes, helicopters, UAVs and space systems.
Original post: dailysabah.com
Kotil also informed that the TAI has held meetings with representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and South Korea to discuss opportunities for joint defense projects.
Related articles:
T129 Attack Helicopter: Details
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