Under a contract that costs up to 3 billion U.S. dollars, Azerbaijan will purchase some 60 TAI/AgustaWestland T129 helicopters (ATAK) from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) company, said the reports.

The T-129 multi-role attack helicopter is being developed jointly by AgustaWestland, a multinational helicopter design and manufacturing company headquartered in Italy, and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLF) under the ATAK program.

The T-129 is the result of the integration of Turkey-developed high-tech avionics and weapon systems onto the combat proven AgustaWestland A129 airframe, with upgraded engines, transmission and rotor blades.

Designed to operate in hot conditions, the T129 can be deployed in a wide range of operations including attack, reconnaissance and deterrent missions.

Azerbaijan is the first foreign customer of T-129 helicopters, according to local media.

Countries such as Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Poland, The Gambia, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have also reportedly shown interest in the T-129.

 

(Xinhua)