Nigerian Defense Delegation Examines First T129 ATAK Helicopter in Turkey

The Nigerian Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, led a high-level delegation to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), inspecting the T129 ATAK attack helicopter and other equipment.

Nigeria had initially placed an order for six of the advanced T129 ATAK helicopters. During the delegation's tour, the Nigerian officials had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the very first T129 ATAK Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter produced for the Nigerian Air Force.

T129 ATAK is Turkey's first domestically manufactured attack helicopter.

The Philippines became the first international recipient of the T129 ATAK helicopters last year when they ordered six units, and Nigeria subsequently followed suit, ordering an additional six helicopters. Both the Philippines and Nigeria are expected to place further orders for the T129 ATAK helicopters in the near future, Turkish media reported.

The initial T129 ATAK helicopter manufactured for Nigeria is anticipated to be shipped to the country by the end of 2023 or early 2024. In January 2023, the Nigerian Air Chief announced that Nigeria will receive 6 T129s by the end of the first quarter of 2023.

The T129 ATAK is equipped with a variety of armaments, including 500 rounds of 20-millimeter gun ammunition, 16 Roketsan CİRİT Missiles, 8 L-UMTAS or UMTAS Missiles, 8 Stinger Missiles, or 76 70-millimeter rockets.

Powered by two LHTEC-CTS800-4A Turboshaft Engines, each producing 1,373 shp, the T129 ATAK helicopter boasts a maximum speed of 281 km/h, a flight time of 3 hours, a range of 537 kilometers, and an altitude ceiling of 15,000 feet.