Within the framework of the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces, the Turkish Utility Helicopter Project tender started in 2007 was made known by the Defence Industry Executive Committee on 1 April 2011 after a four-year period and the decision was reached to commence contract signing negotiations with Sikorsky that competed with Agustawestland. However, due to disagreements on various issues, the signing with Sikorsky could not be completed. After a 3-year resolution process, with the agreement of both parties, the Turkish Utility Helicopter Project contract came into force.

Negotiations having continued since 2007, the contract for the Turkish Utility Helicopter tender for the production of 109 T70i helicopters by TAI and the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) at TAI facilities with a total cost of 2.5 billion dollars was signed on 21 February 2014.