Upgraded Turkish ATAK Helicopters Deliveries Commence

The Turkish security forces on Wednesday started receiving ATAK Phase-2 rotorcraft, an upgraded version of the T129 ATAK helicopter.

The ATAK Phase-2 made its maiden flight in November 2019. Export prospects of T129s could take a favourable turn with the upgrades which includes equipping the aircraft with improved electronic warfare (EW) systems, laser warning receiver, radio frequency jammer, radar warning system and 9681 V/UHF Radio.

Ismail Demir, head of the Defense Industries Presidency (SSB), said that the rate of the domestically produced parts was also increased with the upgrading project.

The upgraded ATAK helicopter is in line to be delivered to Pakistan – provided Turkey develops a locally-made engine, or the U.S. allows the export of the CTS800-4A engine. Turkey was supposed to design a new engine for Pakistan’s 30 aircraft this year. The latest upgrade could make Islamabad want to wait a little longer to get the helicopters.