TUSAŞ Delivered first T129B2 ATAK Helicopter to Turkish National Police
On February 25, 2021, an exclusive ceremony was held with the participation of distinguished guests at TUSAS facilities for the delivery of the General Directorate of Security's first T129B Phase-2 Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter (in fact, this particular helicopter with the tail number "EM-102" was actually delivered to the Turkish National Police with limited participation and without any ceremony on February 17). The T129B Phase-2 ATAK Helicopter with the tail number "EM-101", which is planned to be delivered to the National Police in March 2021, was also exhibited at the ceremony. According to the delivery schedule, Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) will manufacture 9 T129B ATAK helicopters all in Phase-2 configuration for the Turkish National Police
Head of the Committee of National Defense İsmet YILMAZ, Deputy Minister of National Defense Şuayip ALPAY, President of Defense Industries Prof. Dr. İsmail DEMIR, President & CEO of TUSAŞ Prof. Dr. Temel KOTİL, General Director of National Police Mehmet AKTAŞ, Deputy Director Generals of National Police Selami HÜNER, İbrahim KULULAR, and Resul HOLOĞLU as well as Head of Turkish Police Aviation Department Uygar ELMASTAŞ, attended the delivery ceremony.
In his speech at the ceremony held at Turkish Aerospace facilities, President of Defense Industries Prof. Dr.İsmail DEMİR stated that they were justifiably proud and thrilled to get together for the delivery of the first ATAK helicopter that will further strengthen the police force. DEMİR noted that the T129 helicopters delivered to date have played an active role in the operations conducted by the security forces and became a force multiplier with the capabilities they provide. "Within the scope of the ATAK project, which is a significant milestone in establishing the helicopter industry infrastructure in our country, various national equipment, and weapons systems are produced domestically, including the central mission computer. ATAK helicopters are actively involved in the operations today with their domestic smart munitions and firepower, and with the Phase-2 configuration, their electronic warfare (EW) and countermeasure capabilities reached their maximum level. The helicopter delivered to the police force is also in Phase-2 configuration." Emphasizing that their goal is not only to build platforms but also to develop their subsystems and especially critical components domestically and nationally, President DEMİR stated that the studies on the indigenous TS-1400 helicopter engine continue. DEMİR said, "Our next goal is to integrate the domestic engine with our helicopters so that they can fly freely in the sky."
Underlining that the Turkish defense industry is followed with great interest in the world thanks to the breakthroughs it has made, İsmail DEMİR said, "Turkey continues to take firm steps towards becoming a country that does not import technology but exports technology in the defense industry. Our nationally and domestically produced helicopters, UAVs, and UCAVs, as well as various weapon systems, munitions, and electronic capabilities integrated into them, have maximized the operational capabilities of our security forces. In doing so, this week, we have delivered two TUSAŞ product ANKA UCAVs with increased range to our naval forces."
In his speech at the ceremony, President & CEO of TUSAŞ Prof. Dr. Temel KOTİL stated that they are proud to deliver the ATAK helicopter, which serves in the Land Forces and Gendarmerie General Command, to the General Directorate of Security. Noting that the delivered ATAK Phase-2 helicopter is equipped with a Laser Warning Systems (LWS) and Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), KOTİL said, "It will perform very well in the field. ATAK has the best high-altitude performance in its class in the world. Its engine power is not impaired due to high temperature and altitude; therefore, it serves exceptionally in Turkey and its nearby geography."
Furthermore, KOTİL stated that they will deliver 2 more ATAK helicopters to the General Directorate of Security in March 2021. Providing additional information about the projects carried out by TUSAŞ, KOTİL stated that the 11-ton ATAK-2 helicopter would make its maiden flight in 2023 and the Hürjet at the end of 2022. KOTİL also noted that the National Combat Aircraft (TF-X) would perform its first taxi test on March 18, 2023.
General Director of National Police Mehmet AKTAŞ: “Our helicopters will be assigned as a mobile fleet with headquarters in Ankara, primarily to serve in Diyarbakır, Van, Şırnak, and Hakkari."
Stating that the Police Aviation Department received its first tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter under the T129 EGEMEN Project, General Director of National Police Mehmet AKTAŞ said, "We are constantly updating our aviation capabilities with new technologies and trying to provide a more advanced security service. With the increase in the number and quality of our aircraft, we can take more effective and rapid action not only in the fight against terrorism but also in all kinds of operational activities, especially narcotic crimes, organized crime, combatting human trafficking, and establishing traffic order. We received our first ATAK helicopter today and proudly add it to our Aviation Department fleet. Eight more helicopters will be delivered by the end of 2022. Our helicopters will be assigned as a mobile fleet with headquarters in Ankara, primarily to serve in Diyarbakır, Van, Şırnak, and Hakkari."
AKTAŞ also stated that a crypto protocol was signed with the Ministry of National Defense for the national encryption devices such as identification friend or foe (IFF) system and encrypted radios to be used and operated by the General Directorate of Security.
Following the ceremony, Turkish National Police T129 ATAK Helicopter with the tail number “EM-102” & T625 GÖKBEY “P3” helicopters made a demonstration flight to the participations. TUSAS were also displayed T625 GÖKBEY configuration that will be delivered the Turkish Gendarmery as well T-70 General Utility Helicopter prototype, HürJet Advanced New Generation Jet Trainer and Light Attack Aircraft, HürKuş New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft, ANKA-S UAV, AKSUNGUR UCAV prototype on static display area. Unmanned fully electric T629 Helicopter Technology demonstrator was debut first time by TUSAS as well.
