IDEAS 2018: Updates to the Pakistan Army’s T129 ATAK Program

Despite some reports, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps’ (PAA) T129 ATAK attack helicopter acquisition is on-track, according to Turkish Aerospace.

During the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), which was held in 27-30 November in Karachi, Pakistan, a Turkish Aerospace representative told Quwa that the PAA is slated to take delivery of its first attack helicopters in late 2020.

Tamer Özmen, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications, told the state-owned news agency Anadolu Agency that there were no issues regarding the export of the T129’s engines to Pakistan.

The T129 is powered by two CTS800 turboshaft engines. The CTS800 is produced and marketed by LHTEC (Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company), a joint-venture between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce.

Due to its US technology inputs, the CTS800 falls within ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). ITAR requires the approval of the US government on third-party exports. Currently, Turkish Aerospace is waiting for that approval, though a decision (by Washington) has yet to be made.

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