T129 ATAK Helicopter Exported to Philippines
The Philippines Completes Deliveries of T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter
The deliveries of T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter to the Philippines have been completed, with the last 2 helicopters being delivered to the Philippine Army. The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) signed a contract with the Philippines in 2018 for the supply of T129 ATAK Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters. TAI has officially delivered a total of 6 T129 ATAKs to the Philippines within the scope of the contract worth approximately 280 million US Dollars.
The completion of the deliveries marks Turkey’s first attack helicopter export. TAI also aims to export additional helicopters and continues to deliver T129 ATAK to Nigeria. However, exports of 30 ATAKs to Pakistan have been on hold since 2018 due to the export permit issue regarding the engine.
In addition to the ATAK helicopters, the Philippines also received Roketsan CİRİT Missiles as part of the contract. The T129 ATAK can be equipped with 500 pieces of 20-millimeter gun ammunition, 16 Roketsan CİRİT Missiles, 8 L-UMTAS or UMTAS Missiles, 8 Stinger Missiles, or 76 pieces of 70-millimeter rockets. It is powered by two LHTEC-CTS800-4A Turboshaft Engines and has a maximum speed of 281 km/h, an airtime of 3 hours, a range of 537 kilometers, and an altitude ceiling of 15,000ft.
The completion of the deliveries is a significant achievement for both TAI and the Philippines, and it strengthens the defense cooperation between the two countries. The T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter represents a crucial addition to the Philippines’ defense capabilities, enhancing its ability to address security challenges in the region.
Source: SavunmaSanayiST.com
