ISTANBUL:
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) General Manager Temel Kotil has said that TAI is actively working to land a T-129 sale with Pakistan, Milliyet reported this week.
Speaking at an event hosted by Istanbul Thought Foundation, the General Manager said a T-129 had been sent to Pakistan for tests in June 2016. The tests focused on how well the attack-helicopter responded to extreme levels of temperature flux and altitudes. Its endurance and hot-and-high capabilities were examined so as to make sure it was an ideal fit for the area’s topography and climate.
Being in possession of the requisite export licenses, the TAI is looking towards exporting the T-129 with a CTS800 turboshaft which was developed by Honeywell and Rolls-Royce. Kotil reportedly claimed that TAI “will sell [T-129s] to Pakistan in the coming months.”
TAI acquired the T-129 from AgustaWestland as part of the Turkish Armed Forces’ (TSK) requirement for new attack helicopters in 2008 after which the platform’s production was entirely transferred to Turkey. Turkish corporation Aselsan, which produces tactical military radios are providing the T-129’s onboard electronics while Turkish weapon manufacturing giant Roketsan are providing the munitions.
The TAI and the Turkish defence industry will be looking to find even more clients for the chopper and the Turkish Under secretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) considers Pakistan a major prospective client, which can later put in a good word and provide the T-129 a strong and reliable “reference.”
