Turkey Finally Lands Its Attack Helicopters (updated)

Turkey has been looking to modernize its attack helicopter fleet since the mid-1990s, but the process has mostly served as an object lesson in how not to buy defense equipment. DID has covered difficulties with this competition before; after numerous snafus, technology transfer and production issues, and canceled competitions, all 3 invited American manufacturers had abandoned the competition entirely.

Even the most recent final round seemed imperiled, following reports of the Turkish militarys deep dissatisfaction with the choices; nevertheless, the competition survived long enough to pick a winner: an updated version of its A129. Now, signed industrial arrangements contracts with AugustaWestland allow the 12-year program to move forward at last. But Turkey didnt just buy helicopters they bought the model, lock, stock, and rotor. The T-129 has now had its first flight, even as the Turkish military prepares an interim attack helicopter buy

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15-18 years to decide on a helicopter...and you end up going to buy an italian knock off lock stock and barrel then try and pass it off as an indigenous design...

fuknuggets