The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather
attack helicopter
An attack helicopter is an armed helicopter with the primary role of an attack aircraft, with the offensive (military), offensive capability of engaging ground targets such as enemy infantry, military vehicles and fortifications. Due to their ...
based on the
Agusta A129 Mangusta platform. It was developed by
Turkish Aerospace Industries
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (, TAI or TUSAŞ) is a state-owned Arms industry, arms company in Turkey.
History
On 16 August 1925 the Turkish Aircraft and Engine Limited Company ''()'' factory was founded in Kayseri, Turkey. The company ...
(TAI)
in partnership with
Leonardo S.p.A. The helicopter is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in
hot and high
In aviation, hot and high is a condition of low air density due to high ambient temperature and high airport elevation. Air density decreases with increasing temperature and altitude. The lower air density reduces the power output from an airc ...
environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.
The ATAK programme was begun to meet the requirements of the
Turkish Armed Forces
The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF; , TSK) are the armed forces, military forces of the Turkey, Republic of Turkey. The TAF consist of the Turkish Army, Land Forces, the Turkish Navy, Naval Forces and the Turkish Air Force, Air Forces. The Chief of ...
for an armed
tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter. The T129 is the result of the integration of Turkish-developed
avionics
Avionics (a portmanteau of ''aviation'' and ''electronics'') are the Electronics, electronic systems used on aircraft. Avionic systems include communications, Air navigation, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the ...
, airframe modifications, and
weapon systems onto the AgustaWestland A129 airframe, with upgraded engines, transmission and rotor blades. It is in use by the
Turkish Army
The Turkish Land Forces () is the main branch of the Turkish Armed Forces responsible for Army, land-based military operations. The army was formed on November 8, 1920, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Significant campaigns since the ...
and other services including the
Turkish Gendarmerie
The Gendarmerie General Command () is the national gendarmerie force of the Republic of Turkey. It is a service branch of the Turkish Ministry of Interior responsible for the maintenance of the public order in areas that fall outside the jurisdi ...
.
The helicopter has a unit cost of roughly US$50 million.
Development
Origins
The ATAK programme was begun to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' requirements for an attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter.
Turkey
Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a relatively small part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north; Georgia (country), Georgia, Armen ...
announced on 30 March 2007 that it had decided to negotiate with AgustaWestland to co-develop and produce 51 (with 40 options) attack helicopters based on the
Agusta A129 Mangusta. It is to be assembled in Turkey by
Turkish Aerospace Industries
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (, TAI or TUSAŞ) is a state-owned Arms industry, arms company in Turkey.
History
On 16 August 1925 the Turkish Aircraft and Engine Limited Company ''()'' factory was founded in Kayseri, Turkey. The company ...
(TAI) as the T129. On 7 September 2007, a $1.2 billion contract was signed.
["Turkey Finally Lands Its Attack Helicopters"]
. Defense Industry Daily, 28 March 2012.
On 22 June 2008, the agreement between TUSAS Aerospace Industries (TAI) and AgustaWestland formally entered into force. Under the agreement, TAI would develop an indigenous mission computer, avionics, weapons systems, self-protection suites and the helmet-mounting cuing systems.
Tusaş Engine Industries
Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI; ) is an aerospace engine manufacturer and a design center for the production of engines and engine parts for commercial and military aircraft. It is based in Eskişehir, Turkey.
TEI was founded in 1985 as a joint ...
(TEI) would manufacture the
LHTEC CTS800-4N engines under licence. Under the agreement, Turkey has full marketing and intellectual property rights for the T129 platform; Turkey can export also the platform to third party nations, excluding Italy and the United Kingdom. However, the T129's LHTEC CTS800-4N gives the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
a veto over any prospective export sales and so Turkey developed its own
TEI TS1400 powerplant.
About 95% of the initial parts of the serial production T129 are manufactured in Turkey.
On 16 July 2007, the
Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
The Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Turkey (, TÜBİTAK) is a national agency of Turkey whose stated goal is to develop "science, technology and innovation" (STI) policies, support and conduct research and development, and to ...
(TUBITAK),
Meteksan Savunma Sanayii AŞ and
Bilkent University
Bilkent University () is a private non-profit research university located in Ankara, Turkey. It was founded by İhsan Doğramacı, the first president of the Council of Higher Education and the head of the prominent Doğramacı family, with th ...
formed a consortium to develop an advanced millimetre wave radar (MILDAR), similar to the Longbow and the IAI/ELTA radars, intended to enter service in 2009. MILDAR was successfully completed development in February 2012.
In 2007, it was reported that one helicopter will be kept by the Turkish Ministry of Defense and used as a systems development testbed while the remaining 50 T129s will be delivered to the Turkish Army. An optional 40 further T129s will be produced if necessary. These rotorcraft would be designated T129B.
In November 2010, Turkey ordered an additional nine T129s, increasing its total on order to 60.
[Hoyle, Craig]
"Turkey signs for more T129 attack helicopters "
''Flight International'', 9 November 2010. These T129s were for an urgent Turkish Army operational requirement and was built by TAI for delivery in 2012, one year prior to the delivery of the previously ordered 51 helicopters.
[ Designated T129A, these lack advanced anti-tank missiles; as a result of delays, they entered service in 2014.]
Flight testing
On 28 September 2009, the T129's maiden flight took place when the P1 prototype flew at AgustaWestland's facilities in Vergiate, Italy. On 19 March 2010, the first T129 prototype (P1) conducted high-altitude hover tests near Verbania
Verbania (, , ) is the most populous ''comune'' (municipality) and the capital city of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. It is situated on the shore of Lake Maggiore, about north-west of Milan and ab ...
, Italy following the completion of several successful test flights. During the hover test, T129 P1 lost its tail rotor at 15,000 feet. Test pilot Cassioli regained enough control to steer away from a residential area before crashing; the crew escaped without serious injuries. On 17 August 2011, TAI announced the first successful flight of the T129 prototype "P6", the first of three prototypes to be assembled in Turkey.
In 2013, media reports claimed that the first batch of helicopters delivered to the Turkish Army for trials did not meet the contracted requirements, specifically in terms of "vibration, balance, weight". The T129 was nose-heavy; to resolve this, 137 kg was added to the tail, causing the total weight to exceed the specified requirement. The higher weight may decrease the T129's service ceiling, which is detrimental for operating under hot and high
In aviation, hot and high is a condition of low air density due to high ambient temperature and high airport elevation. Air density decreases with increasing temperature and altitude. The lower air density reduces the power output from an airc ...
conditions, like those found in Southeastern Anatolia. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries will adjust the contract in accordance, although experts expect weight reductions as development continues.
On 22 April 2014, TAI formally delivered the first serial production T129 to the Turkish Land Forces. A total of nine T129s of the first batch were delivered to the Turkish Land Forces after completing qualification testing.
HAVELSAN developed a simulator system for the T129 and presented it at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2017.
Design
The T129 ATAK is optimized for "hot and high conditions", performance requirements against challenging geographical and environmental conditions in night and day operations. It has several key improvements over the original A129 inline with the requirements of the Turkish Army
The Turkish Land Forces () is the main branch of the Turkish Armed Forces responsible for Army, land-based military operations. The army was formed on November 8, 1920, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Significant campaigns since the ...
. The T129 has been designed to achieve a high level of maneuverability, high impact resistance and ballistic tolerance, along with a reduced visibility, sound and radar silhouette.
The helicopter is equipped with the ''Hunter Kaska'' integrated control system. This system, which was purpose-designed for the T129, enables the automatic orientation of target detection and weapon systems to the pilot's line of sight with high tracking accuracy. The T129 is also equipped with a dedicated electro-optical FLIR system ''ASELFLIR-300T'', suitable for multi-purpose mission operations, it is manufactured by the Turkish company Aselsan. The rotorcraft is also equipped with advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure systems which increase survival capabilities in combat situations. These systems include a Radar Warning Receiver (RIAS), Radar Frequency Mixer (RFKS) and a Laser Receiver (LIAS) in addition to an automatic Countermeasure Firing System (KTAS).
The T129 can be used in a variety of roles, including anti-armour, armed reconnaissance, ground attack, escort, asymmetrical, fire support and short range anti-aircraft missions. It is equipped with a single 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon fitted on a nose turret with 500 rounds of ammunition. The T129 can also be equipped with up to eight UMTAS 160 mm long range anti-tank missiles, 76 unguided 70mm rockets for close air support
Close air support (CAS) is defined as aerial warfare actions—often air-to-ground actions such as strafes or airstrikes—by military aircraft against hostile targets in close proximity to friendly forces. A form of fire support, CAS requires ...
, 16 CIRIT 70 mm missiles and eight air launched Stinger short range air-to-air missiles.
Operational history
Turkey
In May 2014, the Turkish Army formally inducted the first nine T129s into service; these initial rotorcraft were to a less advanced interim T129A EDH model, intended to replace some of the ageing AH-1s in use prior to the introduction of the more capable T129B variant to service.[Turkey inducts EDH-standard T129 attack helicopters](_blank)
- Flightglobal.com, 1 May 2014 On 25 April 2015, a pair of T129s were used in combat for the first time in a counter-terrorism operation in Turkey's Siirt Province
Siirt Province, (, ; ) is a province of Turkey, located in the southeast. The province borders Bitlis to the north, Batman to the west, Mardin to the southwest, Şırnak to the south, and Van to the east. Its area is 5,717 km2, and its pop ...
. Delivery of the final EDH-standard T129s took place on 31 July 2015.
On 10 February 2018, during the Turkish military operation in Afrin
Operation Olive Branch () was an invasion by the Turkish Armed Forces and Syrian National Army (SNA) in the Kurdish-majority Afrin District of northwest Syria, against the People's Protection Units (YPG) of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). ...
, a Turkish Army T129 was shot down by Kurdish YPG anti-aircraft fire in Kırıkhan district of Hatay Province
Hatay Province (, ) is the southernmost province and metropolitan municipality of Turkey. Its area is , and its population is 1,686,043 (2022). It is situated mostly outside Anatolia, along the eastern coast of the Levantine Sea. The province ...
; the loss was confirmed by the Turkish Armed Forces and President Erdoğan.
Philippines
When the Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) () is the aerial warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Initially formed as part of the Philippine Army as the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) in 1935, the PAAC eventually saw combat ...
(PAF) re-evaluated its capabilities and performance after the siege of Marawi
The siege of Marawi (), also known as the Marawi crisis () and the Battle of Marawi (), was a five-month-long armed conflict in Marawi, Philippines, that started on May 23, 2017, between Government of the Philippines, Philippine government Arme ...
in 2017 against ISIS-inspired terrorists, it found that the MD-520MG Defender and the newer AW-109E Power armed helicopters did not have sufficient firepower. Instead of acquiring more light armed helicopters, the PAF favoured purpose-built attack helicopters, even if acquired in smaller quantities. The Philippine Air Force was offered the Boeing AH-64 Apache
The Hughes/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing AH-64 Apache ( ) is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Nose-mounted sensors help target acquisition, acquire targets an ...
, the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK. In 2018, the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the PAF selected the T129 due to its lower acquisition costs. TAI was able to offer six T129s for the approved budget of around Php 13.8 Billion to be paid through Multi Year Contractual Authorities.[https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/BESF/BESF2022/B12a.pdf]
In 2021, the Department of National Defense signed a contract for six T129Bs for Php13.7 billion using Multi Year Contractual Authorities via a government-to-government deal with the Turkish Ministry of Defense. By December 2022, a total of four T129Bs and accompanying spare parts and logistical support had been accepted by the PAF; the last two helicopters were expected to be completed and delivered by 2023. The T129Bs are to be deployed to the 15th Strike Wing.
In May 2024, two more T129s formally entered active duty, effectively completing the delivery of six helicopters.
Nigeria
According to a statement by the Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Temel Kotil during the Farnborough Airshow, TAI will provide six T129s to Nigeria under a recent contract. In January 2023, the Nigerian Air Chief announced that Nigeria will receive 6 T129s by the end of the first quarter of 2023. In November 2023, Nigeria took delivery of 2 T129 ATAK helicopters and have been effectively operational in the war against insurgency.
Potential operators
Brazil
In September 2018, Brazil
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by area, fifth-largest country by area and the List of countries and dependencies by population ...
showed interest in acquiring the T129 with army officials visiting Turkey. In March 2019, ten Brazilian Army
The Brazilian Army (; EB) is the branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces responsible, externally, for defending the country in eminently terrestrial operations and, internally, for guaranteeing law, order and the constitutional branches, subordina ...
pilots received certificates for completing T129 test flights at Forte Ricardo Kirk, Taubaté.
Iraq
In an Iraqi TV broadcast, the Iraqi defense minister announced in August 2021 that Iraq will acquire 12 T129 ATAK helicopters.
Pakistan
In 2017, Pakistan
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 241.5 million, having the Islam by country# ...
indicated that it was interested in possibly purchasing the T129 for the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAAC), as a replacement to their ageing Bell AH-1F Cobra gunships; the PAAC had extensively tested the T129 and the Z-10ME in 2016.
In May 2018, Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) announced that Pakistan is purchasing 30 T129s for US$
The United States dollar (Currency symbol, symbol: Dollar sign, $; ISO 4217, currency code: USD) is the official currency of the United States and International use of the U.S. dollar, several other countries. The Coinage Act of 1792 introdu ...
1.5 billion, which Turkish Aerospace Industries
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (, TAI or TUSAŞ) is a state-owned Arms industry, arms company in Turkey.
History
On 16 August 1925 the Turkish Aircraft and Engine Limited Company ''()'' factory was founded in Kayseri, Turkey. The company ...
(TAI) confirmed in July. However, Pakistan's T129 purchase has been politically complicated; the United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense (DoD, USDOD, or DOD) is an United States federal executive departments, executive department of the federal government of the United States, U.S. federal government charged with coordinating and superv ...
(DoD) refused to issue the export license for the LHTEC T800-4A engines that power the gunships owing to diplomatic issues between the United States and Turkey. In 2020, Pakistan granted a one-year extension to TAI so that the latter could persuade the DoD to issue the required export license; TAI also approached its sister company, Tusaş Engine Industries
Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI; ) is an aerospace engine manufacturer and a design center for the production of engines and engine parts for commercial and military aircraft. It is based in Eskişehir, Turkey.
TEI was founded in 1985 as a joint ...
, to develop an indigenous engine for the T129 as a possible replacement for the T800-4A. TAI also hired a U.S-based lobbying firm, Capitol Counsel, to promote the issue to U.S. lawmakers. In 2021, Pakistan granted a six-month extension to TAI in a further bid to resolve the issue.
In January 2022, multiple reports of Pakistan cancelling the T129 deal in favor of the Z-10ME emerged. However, the Pakistani military's public relations
Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing and disseminating information from an individual or an organization (such as a business, government agency, or a nonprofit organization) to the public in order to influence their perception. Pu ...
wing - the Inter-Services Public Relations
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) () is the media and public relations wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces. It broadcasts and coordinates military news and information to the country's Media of Pakistan, civilian media and the Pakistani ...
(ISPR), denied the reports, stating that the deal had not been terminated.
Qatar
In January 2019, it was reported that Qatar
Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country in West Asia. It occupies the Geography of Qatar, Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East; it shares Qatar–Saudi Arabia border, its sole land b ...
had signed a preliminary agreement to buy T129s.
Saudi Arabia
In 2011, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in West Asia. Located in the centre of the Middle East, it covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about , making it the List of Asian countries ...
asked Turkey to enter a tender to produce attack helicopters for the Saudi Air Force.
Failed bids
Morocco
On 31 July 2021, it was reported that Morocco was in the "advanced stage of negotiation" with Turkey for the purchase of 22 T129s. Additional sources claimed previous negotiations were suspended in 2018 due to US sanctions.
South Korea
In January 2013, a media report stated that South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and t ...
's attack helicopter competition included the T129 in the final three bidders with the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the Boeing AH-64 Apache
The Hughes/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing AH-64 Apache ( ) is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Nose-mounted sensors help target acquisition, acquire targets an ...
. However, the AH-64E Apache was chosen in April 2013.
Variants
;T129A EDH (''Erken Duhul Helikopteri'' or Early Delivery Helicopter)
:T129A is the "combat support" version equipped with a 20 mm gatling gun and rounds and can carry 70 mm (2.75 in) rockets; nine T129As have been ordered. Six helicopters have been delivered to the Turkish Army
The Turkish Land Forces () is the main branch of the Turkish Armed Forces responsible for Army, land-based military operations. The army was formed on November 8, 1920, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Significant campaigns since the ...
. The T129As are to be upgraded to the T129B standard.
;T129B
:T129B is the "multi-role" version equipped with electronic warfare systems. 51 helicopters are to be produced, with one to be used as a weapons testbed. The T129B is armed with a 20 mm gatling gun and can carry a varied payload of eight UMTAS ATGMs, 16 Cirit missiles, eight air launched Stinger, 76 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets.
Operators
;
* Nigerian Air Force
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the air branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is the youngest branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, established four years after the nation became independent. As at 2021, the air force is one of the largest in A ...
- 6 aircraft delivered from order for 6 aircraft signed in 2021.
;
* Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) () is the aerial warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Initially formed as part of the Philippine Army as the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) in 1935, the PAAC eventually saw combat ...
- 6 aircraft delivered as of December 2023.
;
* Somali Air Force - 3 aircraft were delivered to Somalia in March 2025 for anti-insurgency operations against Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen
Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, simply known as al-Shabaab, or by its state name, the Islamic Emirate of Somalia, is a transnational Salafi Jihadist military and political organization based in Somalia and is also in a more limited capacity a ...
. An additional three helicopters were delivered to Somalia in June 2025.
;
*Turkish Land Forces
The Turkish Land Forces () is the main branch of the Turkish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The army was formed on November 8, 1920, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Significant campaigns since the foun ...
- 58 delivered, with 35 more options (5 Phase-II)
*Gendarmerie General Command
The Gendarmerie General Command () is the national gendarmerie force of the Republic of Turkey. It is a service branch of the Turkish Ministry of Interior responsible for the maintenance of the public order in areas that fall outside the jurisdi ...
- 13 delivered out of 24 ordered (4 Phase-II)
* General Directorate of Security (Turkey) - 3 for the Aviation Department (all Phase-II)
Specifications (T129 ATAK)
See also
References
External links
TAI T129 ATAK page
Leonardo T129 page
{{DEFAULTSORT:TAI AgustaWestland T129
Attack helicopters
AgustaWestland aircraft
2000s Turkish military aircraft
ATAK
Twin-turbine helicopters
Aircraft first flown in 2009
Turkish helicopters
Single-rotor helicopters
Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear