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Pakistan Army's T-129 ATAK Helicopter Deal | Updates & Discussions.

T629 is taking shape (in the middle) , MMW Radar place can be seen on the top of rotor, first flight a little bit postponed.
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I agree, but I'd still wager a locally produced solution. It might not be a factor today, but if 'circumstances' (like what we went through with the US, or not finding the right fit in China) keep up, they may pivot.

It may not be as thorough as a locally designed solution, but agreeing to something like the T625 and T629 with a relatively deep industrial footprint (e.g., depot-level MRO, parts manufacturing, some sub-assemblies work and final assembly) is a possibility.

In fact, the PAA had explored this very possibility back in the mid-to-late 1980s with the AH-1 and UH-1. Talks had gotten serious, but political issues with the US (pre-Pressler) scuttled the program.


TAI has been manufacturing and selling parts for AW / Leonardo for years, such as bodywork etc. Why not try to get offsets from them, after all, TAI's orders are limited.
 
TAI has been manufacturing and selling parts for AW / Leonardo for years, such as bodywork etc. Why not try to get offsets from them, after all, TAI's orders are limited.
If funds permit, the PAA may look to order several dozen transport helicopters (some to replace old aircraft, others for net-new capability). So, if Leonardo wins with its AW139M + AW149 pitch, Pakistan may ask for offsets from them. However, surplus S-70s have generally been the favoured option.
 
If funds permit, the PAA may look to order several dozen transport helicopters (some to replace old aircraft, others for net-new capability). So, if Leonardo wins with its AW139M + AW149 pitch, Pakistan may ask for offsets from them. However, surplus S-70s have generally been the favoured option.
We should forget about S-70s. If there is an itch for US transport helos, it should only be for Chinooks.
 
If funds permit, the PAA may look to order several dozen transport helicopters (some to replace old aircraft, others for net-new capability). So, if Leonardo wins with its AW139M + AW149 pitch, Pakistan may ask for offsets from them. However, surplus S-70s have generally been the favoured option.

no S 70 for PA. If at all then we will see Z 20 in PA colors which is a Chinese copy of the dozen or so helis sent to China by Sikorsky in the early 90s before the deal fell through
 

Pakistan still interested in T129 acquisition

Pakistan’s long-running attempt to acquire Turkish Aerospace T129 attack helicopters may finally be nearing a conclusion.

Speaking at Defence IQ’s virtual International Military Helicopter 2021 conference today, an unnamed Pakistani army official said that the Turkish-built type was “still very much under consideration”.

T129

Source: Turkish Aerospace

Islamabad initially ordered 30 examples in 2018
Islamabad had in 2018 ordered 30 Turkish Aerospace T129s worth $1.5 billion, but the sale foundered on export sanctions related to the US-built LHTEC T800 engines which power the type.


“The contract is a bit delayed because of certain third-party approvals,” says the army official. “But the OEM is hopeful of getting over the political hurdles and providing that third-party certification.

“We are still looking forward to accomplishing the contract with the Turkish government.”

Pakistan intends to replace its fleet of 48 elderly Bell AH-1Fs with the new platform. It had previously struck a deal under the USA’s Foreign Military Sales process to purchase 12 Bell AH-1Zs but that deal was also put on hold due to US political concerns.

At the same conference last year it was suggested that Pakistan would consider Chinese alternatives if the T129 order could not be finalised.
 

Pakistan still interested in T129 acquisition

Pakistan’s long-running attempt to acquire Turkish Aerospace T129 attack helicopters may finally be nearing a conclusion.

Speaking at Defence IQ’s virtual International Military Helicopter 2021 conference today, an unnamed Pakistani army official said that the Turkish-built type was “still very much under consideration”.

T129

Source: Turkish Aerospace

Islamabad initially ordered 30 examples in 2018
Islamabad had in 2018 ordered 30 Turkish Aerospace T129s worth $1.5 billion, but the sale foundered on export sanctions related to the US-built LHTEC T800 engines which power the type.


“The contract is a bit delayed because of certain third-party approvals,” says the army official. “But the OEM is hopeful of getting over the political hurdles and providing that third-party certification.

“We are still looking forward to accomplishing the contract with the Turkish government.”

Pakistan intends to replace its fleet of 48 elderly Bell AH-1Fs with the new platform. It had previously struck a deal under the USA’s Foreign Military Sales process to purchase 12 Bell AH-1Zs but that deal was also put on hold due to US political concerns.

At the same conference last year it was suggested that Pakistan would consider Chinese alternatives if the T129 order could not be finalised.

Still interested? I thougt this was a done deal?
 
The upgraded ATAK helicopter is in line to be delivered to Pakistan – provided Turkey develops a locally-made engine, or the U.S. allows the export of the CTS800-4A engine. Turkey was supposed to design a new engine for Pakistan’s 30 aircraft this year. The latest upgrade could make Islamabad want to wait a little longer to get the helicopters.
 
The upgraded ATAK helicopter is in line to be delivered to Pakistan – provided Turkey develops a locally-made engine, or the U.S. allows the export of the CTS800-4A engine.


This is a big if either way.
 
With new US gov, Turkey might see a permit to export this engine to third party and that would pave the way of these deliveries to Pakistan.
 
With new US gov, Turkey might see a permit to export this engine to third party and that would pave the way of these deliveries to Pakistan.
I dont think so. That licence is unlikely to be issued and the US will do everything in its power to kill any competition to its product. Turkey will have to come up with a local engine which is as good as the US one or get engines from alternate source.
A
 
I dont think so. That licence is unlikely to be issued and the US will do everything in its power to kill any competition to its product. Turkey will have to come up with a local engine which is as good as the US one or get engines from alternate source.
A
And once an alternate is available, US will simply lift the restrictions :D
 
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