Philippines Air Force receives Final Batch of Turkish T129B ATAK Helicopters.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has received the third and final lot of two T129B ATAK multi-role attack helicopters. These helicopters, transported by a Turkish Air Force A400M transport aircraft, arrived in the Philippines on November 30, 2023. The helicopters are slated to join the 18th Attack Squadron of the PAF before the end of the year.

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 Philippine Air Force (PAF) has received the third and final lot of two T129B ATAK attack helicopters. (Picture source: Philippines MoD)

The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK, a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role attack helicopter, is based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in partnership with AgustaWestland, the T129 is tailored for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions. Designed to operate in challenging environments including hot, high, and rough terrains, the helicopter is suitable for day and night operations.

The helicopter is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.

The ATAK program originated to fulfill the Turkish Armed Forces' need for a versatile attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter. The T129 ATAK integrates Turkish-developed avionics, modifications to the airframe, and weapon systems on the AgustaWestland A129 platform. It features upgraded engines, transmission, and rotor blades.

The T129 ATAK is equipped with a 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon in a nose turret with 500 ammunitions capacity and up to 76 unguided 70mm rockets for close air support.

The helicopter is also equipped with up to 8 UMTAS 160 mm long-range anti-tank missiles, 16 CIRIT 70 mm missiles, 8 air-launched Stinger short-range air-to-air missiles.

The T129 ATAK fulfills multiple roles, including anti-armor, armed reconnaissance, ground attack, escort, asymmetrical warfare, fire support, and short-range anti-aircraft missions.