DEFENCE TURKEY - Issue 76

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Despite the expected growth for military helicopters, the industry faces significant challenges, including defense budget cuts in some of the traditionally strong western markets, but also in some emerging markets where the end-users may be exercising caution in terms of procurement, both operationally and financially. The impact of the global economic turmoil is visible across the majority of programs in military helicopter segments, as they generally tend to be large procurements. Military forces across the globe, particularly in emerging markets, are currently undergoing major acquisition and upgrade programs in their helicopter fleets. Overall modernization also means that nations are considering filling capability gaps and procuring helicopters in different segments to cope with multiple operational requirements. Analysts believe that the industry needs to be innovative, not only in business models and operational support such as through life contracts in order to support the end-user segments, and in turn drive new programs and procurements. Turkey is carrying out 27 projects as of today covering the Turkish Utility Helicopter, T129 “Atak” Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter and “Özgün” Multi - Role Helicopter programs. The “Atak” project is amongst the essential milestones considering the establishment of a helicopter industry infrastructure in Turkey. TAI accomplished the delivery of 22 T129 “Atak” Helicopters to the Land Forces Command. Thanks to these programs, Turkey strengthens its position in Global Helicopter Market.