Philippines receives last two of six T129 combat helicopters from Turkey

Asia-Pacific, Europe, News May 29, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Turkish Aerospace Industries announced that the Philippines received the final two of six T129 ATAK combat helicopters, approximately a year later than the initially expected schedule.

The helicopter deal between the Philippines and Turkey was part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program.

The two new helicopters will operate alongside the Philippine Air Force’s armed light observation and transport helicopters, enhancing the force’s combat operational capability and addressing gaps in urban warfare.

These units are the fifth and sixth attack helicopters acquired under a $280 million deal between Turkey and the Philippines. The earlier units were the first helicopters Ankara delivered to a foreign country.

“These helicopters, known for their high performance in hot, high, and maritime conditions, are expected to significantly enhance the air force’s combat capabilities, particularly in urban warfare scenarios,” the Philippines Air Force said in a press release.

The acquisition of Turkish-made attack helicopters is part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program, a $5.2 billion initiative aimed at updating the country’s military capabilities.

*^{The upgraded version of the T129 Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter. (Image Credit: IHA)}*

A territorial defense strategy, released last year by the Philippines, prioritizes the protection of islands claimed by the country, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, including Thitu Island, Loaita Cay, West York Island, Flat Island, and Nanshan Island.

T129 ATAK Helicopter

The T129 ATAK helicopter is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine attack and reconnaissance helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in collaboration with AgustaWestland. The T129 is an advanced derivative of the Italian A129 Mangusta, incorporating a range of enhancements and new technologies.

The T129 features two LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft engines, each providing 1,373 horsepower, allowing for superior performance in hot and high conditions. It has a maximum speed of 278 kilometers per hour and a range of 561 kilometers. The helicopter boasts an endurance of three hours, making it suitable for extended missions.

The avionics suite includes advanced electronic warfare systems, mission computers, and a glass cockpit with multifunction displays. The electro-optical systems feature a FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) camera and laser rangefinder/designator, enhancing target acquisition and tracking capabilities.

*^{Turkish Aerospace Industries TUSAS T129 ATAK helicopter. (Image Credit: TAI)}*

The T129 is heavily armed with a 20mm three-barrel Gatling gun mounted in a nose turret, and it can carry a variety of external weapons on its stub-wing pylons. These include UMTAS anti-tank missiles, Cirit laser-guided rockets, and Stinger air-to-air missiles, providing versatile firepower for various combat scenarios.

The helicopter’s design incorporates a modified airframe, an uprated drivetrain, and a new tail rotor system, improving maneuverability and survivability. With its robust capabilities, the T129 ATAK is a formidable asset for modern armed forces, capable of performing a wide range of attack and reconnaissance missions in diverse environments.