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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia for the joint production of Gokbey general-purpose helicopters in the kingdom, marking the first international manufacturing agreement for the indigenous Turkish platform.
The MoU was signed at World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh between TAI and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment and General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).
Gokhan Ucar, deputy head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and TAI board member, signed the agreement on behalf of the Turkish company.
The memorandum covers long-term, high-technology joint production. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment and GAMI will consolidate helicopter requirements across military and civilian sectors, with TAI partnering with a local manufacturer to produce helicopters to meet these demands.
The scope and details of joint production will be shaped according to requirements. Helicopter systems hold an important place in Saudi Arabia's 2030 localization goals. Gokbey's suitability for different roles played a significant part in Saudi Arabia's choice.
Jointly produced helicopters will also be available for export to neighboring countries.
The Indigenous Helicopter Program was launched following a Defense Industry Executive Committee decision on June 15, 2010, with the aim of meeting the general-purpose helicopter needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and other authorities through an indigenous platform.
The program budget and schedule were decided in January 2013, and a contract was signed between the Presidency of Defense Industries and TAI on June 26, 2013.
The T625 Gokbey is designed and manufactured using national capabilities, building on the knowledge, experience and skills acquired during the ATAK attack helicopter program.
Critical systems, including structural and avionic systems, transmission, rotor, and landing gear, are all designed and produced using domestic resources.
The helicopter is designed to operate effectively in the most challenging climates and geographies, at high altitude and high temperature, in day and night conditions.
Gokbey's wide mission profile includes transport, VIP, cargo, air ambulance, search and rescue and offshore transport operations.
The first indigenous general-purpose helicopter developed and produced with domestic capabilities, Gokbey, completed its first flight successfully on Sept. 6, 2018.
On April 19, 2023, the Gokbey P1 prototype successfully completed its first test flight powered by TEI-TS1400 turboshaft engines—developed and produced domestically by TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI).
The first production Gokbey helicopter was delivered to the Gendarmerie General Command in a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Deliveries of serial production helicopters continue.
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