TAI confirms deal with Pakistan for 30 T129 attack choppers.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) today confirmed that the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) and Turkish Aerospace has successfully been finalized and signed the contract for the procurement of 30 T129 ATAK Helicopters within a comprehensive package including logistics, ammunition, spares, ground support equipment and training.

A T129 ATAK combat helicopters at IDEF 2017 exhibition

"The T129 ATAK Multirole Combat Helicopter, which sets new standards in the global market, optimized for the specific harsh geographical conditions, is a new generation, tandem seat, twin engine helicopter, specifically designed for attack and reconnaissance purposes with the best “performance and maneuver capability” in its class," TAI said in a press release. 

The T129 helicopter has been tested by Pakistan Army in Turkey and Pakistan environmental and geographical conditions. "Thanks to its outstanding features and mission capabilities, T129 ATAK has successfully passed all required tests in order to meet of the Pakistan Army needs," the Turkish aircraft manufacturer added. 

The T129 is an attack and multirole combat helicopter developed for the Turkish Army. It is enhanced version of the Agusta A129 Mangusta. The T129 helicopter can be armed with eight anti-tank guided missile and air-to-air missiles. A 20mm three-barrel Gatling-type turreted cannon with 500 rounds of ammunition is mounted under the nose.

The attack helicopter has been already delivered to Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) in 2014. Currently, 35 T129 ATAK helicopters are being used by the TSK and the Gendarmerie Command.