Philippines Receives 1st Batch of T129 ATAK Helicopters

The first overseas delivery of Turkiye's T129 ATAK advanced attack, and tactical reconnaissance helicopter was made to the Philippine Air Force. With a ceremony held in Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base located in the capital Manila, two ATAK helicopters and an Airbus C-295 tactical transport aircraft entered the air force's inventory. Helicopters were delivered to the Philippines on March 3.

Delfin Lorenzana, the Philippine secretary of national defence, said at the ceremony that it was a "wonderful day" for the Philippine Air Force. The Philippines is restructuring fleets, and ATAK helicopter will support the country's fight against terrorism, he said, adding. "I am very happy that the dream of the Philippine Air Force has come true, but we still have a long way to go to fully equip our home."

Ismail Demir, the head of Turkey's Defence Industries Presidency (SSB), said with the defence industry cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the presidency and the Ministry of Defence of the Philippines, cooperation in this field has reached the interstate level.

The MoU was signed between the two countries in Istanbul in 2017. He noted: "We have created a framework to develop and strengthen defence industry cooperation on the basis of friendship and common interest." He stressed that Turkish defence industry companies become global players with their proven systems and products.

The two countries have signed an agreement for six ATAK helicopters in 2020. With the successful completion of the acceptance and testing activities, the first two helicopters entered the Philippine Air Force inventory. As part of the second package of ATAK helicopters, a draft price offer was given to the Philippines, and negotiations were started.