Turkey signs contract for Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters

Turkish Aerospace Industries, The contract for the acquisition of 51 (plus 41 optional) Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopters for the Turkish Land Forces Command was signed on September 7, 2007. 
 
The contract involves local production of software source codes and hardware as well as the integration of high technology avionics on the helicopters. 
 
In line with the resolution of the Defense Industry Committee Meeting held on 30 March 2007, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM) awarded the Turkish Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) Program contract to AgustaWestland. 
 
Following the negotiations held between the prime contractor TAI, ASELSAN and AgustaWestland, the contract was signed on 7 September 2007. 
 
Under the program, TAI, being the prime contractor, Aselsan and AgustaWestland companies, being the subcontractors, have formed a powerful team in order to deliver the required helicopters to the Turkish Land Forces Command in accordance with the objectives and schedule of the program. Moreover, within the framework of the contract, a Collaboration Agreement, regarding the world market, was signed between TAI and AgustaWestland. 
 
Being the prime contractor, TAI is not only responsible for the Program and Contract Management, Systems Integration, Production, Engineering and Integrated Logistics Support, but also undertakes the responsibility of the final design and performance of T-129 Attack Helicopter. 
 
With the Collaboration Agreement, signed between TAI and AgustaWestland, TAI shares the ownership of intellectual property rights of the new configuration helicopters, while becoming the sole source for the production of the whole fuselage, including Final Assembly and Flight Operations. 
 
TAI will also market the T-129 attack helicopters to the world except Italy and UK.