Turkish forces acquire 14th ATAK helicopter equipped with ASELFLIR-410 and indigenous cannon, domestic production.
The T129 ATAK helicopter, a Turkish-made attack helicopter, has been equipped with the Aselsan ASELFLIR-410 system, a significant advancement in domestic defense technology. This system provides the helicopter with superior electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) imaging capabilities, enhancing its operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
The ASELFLIR-410 system offers superior target detection capacity and reliable image processing technology, enabling the helicopter to identify and track targets accurately even under challenging environmental conditions such as low visibility or night operations. This upgrade represents a modern, lighter, and more capable EO/IR camera tailored for operational deployment on this platform.
By integrating the ASELFLIR-410, the T129 ATAK helicopter significantly increases its defense capability, enabling better situational awareness and target acquisition, which translates into enhanced combat effectiveness. The system's performance improvements contribute to the helicopter's overall modernization and domestication process, aligning with Turkey’s strategic goal of reducing reliance on foreign technology and increasing indigenous defense production.
In addition to the ASELFLIR-410 system, the T129 ATAK helicopter features the first domestic 20mm nose cannon used by Turkish security forces, developed and produced by TR Mechatronic. This addition further strengthens the helicopter's armament capabilities.
The T129 ATAK helicopter can reach a maximum speed of 281 kilometers per hour, has a flight endurance of 3 hours, a range of 537 kilometers, and a service ceiling of 15,000 feet. The Gendarmerie General Command has added 14 T129 ATAK helicopters to its inventory, with the 14th helicopter (tail number: J-1924 Hurkus) being manufactured domestically.
The Gendarmerie General Command has also made significant additions to its inventory with the first Bayraktar Akinci UCAV System. The acceptance of the Ground Systems and Weapon Systems at the Baykar Corlu Flight Training and Test Center was successfully completed. The Gendarmerie is expected to further increase its capabilities with the new Akinci UCAV systems, in addition to its active use of Bayraktar TB2 UCAV systems.
The T129 ATAK's first export with the domestic nose cannon was recently completed, marking another step in Turkey's efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology and increase indigenous defense production. The addition of the T129 ATAK helicopter to the Turkish Gendarmerie Aviation Command's inventory marks a strengthening of its power, providing it with a highly effective attack helicopter equipped with advanced technology.
[1] Aselsan Corporation. (n.d.). ASELFLIR-410. Retrieved from https://www.aselsan.com.tr/en/products/military-systems/aselflir-410 [2] Turkish Aerospace Industries. (n.d.). T129 ATAK. Retrieved from https://www.tusas.com.tr/en/products/helicopters/t129-ata [3] Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries. (n.d.). T129 ATAK Helicopter. Retrieved from https://ssb.gov.tr/en/system/files/2020-03/T129%20ATAK%20Helicopter.pdf [4] Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries. (n.d.). Bayraktar Akinci. Retrieved from https://ssb.gov.tr/en/system/files/2020-03/Bayraktar%20Akinci.pdf [5] Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries. (n.d.). TR Mechatronic. Retrieved from https://ssb.gov.tr/en/system/files/2020-03/TR%20Mechatronic.pdf
The upgraded T129 ATAK helicopter, armed with the domestically produced TR Mechatronic 20mm nose cannon and equipped with the advanced Aselsan ASELFLIR-410 system, is a significant stride in Turkey's domestic defense and aerospace industry, bolstering the nation's finance sector through indigenous defense production. This modern helicopter, with its superior EO/IR imaging capabilities, plays a crucial role in the strategic goal of reducing reliance on foreign technology in Turkey.
