T129 ATAK Updates
According to Turkish Aerospace, the PAA’s order for 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters is proceeding – the OEM aims to secure export licenses “in the first months of 2019” and deliver the first batch in late 2020.
This is a longer timeline than the one outlined by Turkish Aerospace in July 2018, i.e., “less than a year.”
The $1.5 billion US contract is to be paid over a 10-year term. According to Defence Turkey, Pakistan had submitted its down payment. It appears that Turkish Aerospace is awaiting for the US to approve of third-party transfers of the LHTEC (Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company) CTS800 turboshaft engine.
Though Turkish Aerospace stated that it does not expect the engines to run into regulatory trouble, it has reportedly begun negotiations with France’s Safran Group for an alternative turboshaft engine.
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