Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) delivered the first serial production T-625 GÖKBEY Light Utility Helicopter to the Gendarmerie Aviation Command on 29 October. The delivery, which represents a key milestone in Turkey’s Indigenous Helicopter Programme launched in 2010, was celebrated at a ceremony held at the company’s facilities in Kahramankazan, Ankara, with the participation of many senior military, political, and industry representatives, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Gendarmerie General Commander General Ali Çardakcı, and TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu. Just two weeks ago, on 23 October 2024, two terrorists from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) carried out an armed attack on this facility, killing five people and injuring twenty-two others.
Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Haluk Görgün, President of Defence Industries, said that the T-625 GÖKBEY Light Utility Helicopter, designed with ‘domestic and national’ capabilities, is a work of art that reflects the ability and innovation of Turkish engineers. Görgün continued his speech:
“These helicopters, which will join the inventory of the Gendarmerie General Command, are a concrete example of Turkey’s will to stand on its own feet and the idea of full independence in the defense industry. Today’s delivery is not just a helicopter delivery, but a giant step towards Turkey’s goal of a self-sufficient defense industry.”
The President of the defense industry also made statements about the terrorist attack against TAI in his speech. Görgün emphasized that they still carry the sadness of this treacherous attack ‘targeting Turkey’s independence’ in their hearts and that they will continue to work tirelessly for the ‘freedom and defense power of the country.’
T-625 Gökbey is a twin-engine utility helicopter produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as part of the Indigenous Helicopter Programme of the Turkish Defence Industries Corporation (SSB) to replace the US-made UH-1 Helicopters in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces and Gendarmerie General Command. Developed by making use of the knowledge, experience, and capability pool acquired during the T129 ‘ATAK’ attack helicopter program, the T-625 Gökbey stands out with its large cabin area that can be configured to meet the requirements of multi-purpose operations such as cargo, VIP transport, ambulance, off-shore, and search and rescue. According to the manufacturer, this helicopter, which can operate effectively in the harshest climatic conditions, high climate, and altitude, day and night conditions, is also capable of competing with other equivalents in the world with its comfortable cockpit and advanced avionics systems.
Gökbey’s main rotor diameter is 13.20 meters, and its length is 15.87 meters. The helicopter has a total take-off weight of 6 tons, a passenger capacity 12, a top speed of 306 kilometers per hour, a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, and an endurance of 3.8+ hours. GÖKBEY has a maximum range of 948 kilometers and can stay in the air for 5+ hours with an external fuel tank.
According to the statement made by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, TAI will deliver two GÖKBEYs to the Gendarmerie General Command, seven to the Land Forces Command, four to the Air Force Command, three to the Turkish National Police and three to the Coast Guard Command until 2026. These helicopters, produced until 2026, will be powered by two CTS800-4AT Turboshaft Engines, each with 1,373 shaft horsepower, developed by LHTEC, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell. Later, these engines will be replaced by the TS1400 Turboshaft Engine produced by TAI Engine Industries (TEI). Erdoğan also stated that they plan to procure 100 more Gökbeys after 2026.
Considering TAI’s export successes in helicopters, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and light attack aircraft, the T-625 Gökbey will likely achieve export success quickly, in addition to domestic orders. The Gökbey’s possible buyers might be countries in the Gulf, Africa, and Central Asia, where Turkey has exported most of its armaments in recent years.
