Turkish T-70 Helicopter Equipped with Electronic Warfare, Targeting Systems

The T-70 utility helicopter, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has been spotted equipped with electronic warfare and ASELFLIR targeting systems for the first time.

The T-70 now features the Helicopter Electronic Warfare System (HEWS) by ASELSAN and the ASELFLIR-400 Electro-Optical System. These systems enhance operational effectiveness by providing a suite of defensive measures, including Radar, Missile, and Laser Warning Systems, RF Jamming, Countermeasure Delivery, and Suite Central Management, increasing survivability against various guided missiles.

The ASELFLIR-400 provides precise ground target acquisition, enhancing situational awareness with night vision compatibility and high-definition imaging.

The T-70s, based on the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, are being customized in Turkey as part of the Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP).

However, the future production of the T-70 is contingent upon negotiations with the United States. Turkey's plan to produce 109 helicopters faces uncertainty due to the impending expiration of the 10-year production license. While TAI aims to complete 38 helicopters by 2024, an extension request has been submitted to Congress to continue production. Approval of the license extension would enable the full production of 109 helicopters, distributed among various Turkish military branches and agencies.

A portion of intended purchases by the General Directorate of Forestry has been redirected to the Turkish Armed Forces and the Gendarmerie General Command.

The T-70 Utility Helicopter Project, involving TAI, Sikorsky Aircraft Company, ASELSAN, TEI, and Alp Aviation, aims to deliver advanced rotary-wing capabilities to entities including the Land Forces Command, Air Forces Command, Special Forces Command, Gendarmerie General Command, General Directorate of Security, and General Directorate of Forestry.

TAI leads production and assembly under the project, with support from subcontractors for avionics, engine production, and other critical components.