The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform. It was developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in partnership with Leonardo S.p.A. The helicopter is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.
The ATAK programme was begun to meet the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces for an armed tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter. The T129 is the result of the integration of Turkish-developed avionics, airframe modifications, and weapon systems onto the AgustaWestland A129 airframe, with upgraded engines, transmission and rotor blades. It is in use by the Turkish Army and other services including the Turkish Gendarmerie. The helicopter has a unit cost of roughly US$50 million.
Development Origins
The ATAK programme was begun to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' requirements for an attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter. Turkey announced on 30 March 2007 that it had decided to negotiate with AgustaWestland to co-develop and produce 51 (with 40 options) attack helicopters based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta."Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter Procurement Program" . Turkey Undersecretariat for Defence Industries"Turkey Announces the Start of Contract Negotiations With AgustaWestland for the ATAK Project" . AgustaWestland, 31 March 2007. It is to be assembled in Turkey by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as the T129. On 7 September 2007, a $1.2 billion contract was signed."Turkey Finally Lands Its Attack Helicopters" . Defense Industry Daily, 28 March 2012.Ozbek, Tolga. "AgustaWestland 129 to be model for Turkish ATAK" . Flight International, 14 September 2007.T129 ATAK page . Turkish Aerospace Industries
On 22 June 2008, the agreement between TUSAS Aerospace Industries (TAI) and AgustaWestland formally entered into force. Under the agreement, TAI would develop an indigenous mission computer, avionics, weapons systems, self-protection suites and the helmet-mounting cuing systems. Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) would manufacture the LHTEC CTS800-4N engines under licence.TEI News 2010, p. 7 , Tusaş Engine Industries, Inc. Under the agreement, Turkey has full marketing and intellectual property rights for the T129 platform; Turkey can export also the platform to third party nations, excluding Italy and the United Kingdom. "ATAK Helikopter Projesi'nde mutlu son". Milliyet, 22 June 2008. However, the T129's LHTEC CTS800-4N gives the United States a veto over any prospective export sales and so Turkey developed its own TEI TS1400 powerplant. About 95% of the initial parts of the serial production T129 are manufactured in Turkey.
On 16 July 2007, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), Meteksan Savunma Sanayii AŞ and Bilkent University formed a consortium to develop an advanced millimetre wave radar (MILDAR), similar to the Longbow and the IAI/ELTA radars, intended to enter service in 2009.Kara Hedef Angajmanı İçin Milimetrik Dalga Radar Teknikleri Geliştirilmesi Projesi Sözleşmesi İmza Töreni , 16 Temmuz 2007.MILDAR (Millimeter Wave Radar) Capabilities . meteksansavunma.com.tr MILDAR was successfully completed development in February 2012.
In 2007, it was reported that one helicopter will be kept by the Turkish Ministry of Defense and used as a systems development testbed while the remaining 50 T129s will be delivered to the Turkish Army. An optional 40 further T129s will be produced if necessary.Savunma ve Havacılık (Defence and Aerospace) magazine. Issue no: 122. October 2007. pp. 26-28. These rotorcraft would be designated T129B. In November 2010, Turkey ordered an additional nine T129s, increasing its total on order to 60."Turkey Orders Nine More T129 Helicopters For The Land Forces Command" . AgustaWestland, 8 November 2010.Hoyle, Craig. "Turkey signs for more T129 attack helicopters ". Flight International, 9 November 2010. These T129s were for an urgent Turkish Army operational requirement and was built by TAI for delivery in 2012, one year prior to the delivery of the previously ordered 51 helicopters.. Defense News, 29 November 2010, p. 26. Designated T129A, these lack advanced anti-tank missiles; as a result of delays, they entered service in 2014.
Flight testing
On 28 September 2009, the T129's maiden flight took place when the P1 prototype flew at AgustaWestland's facilities in Vergiate, Italy."ATAK team flies first T129 prototype" . Flight Global. On 19 March 2010, the first T129 prototype (P1) conducted high-altitude hover tests near Verbania, Italy following the completion of several successful test flights. During the hover test, T129 P1 lost its tail rotor at 15,000 feet. Test pilot Cassioli regained enough control to steer away from a residential area before crashing; the crew escaped without serious injuries.ASN Wikibase Occurrence #73522 , Aviation Safety Network, 21 March 2010. On 17 August 2011, TAI announced the first successful flight of the T129 prototype "P6", the first of three prototypes to be assembled in Turkey. . TAI press release
In 2013, media reports claimed that the first batch of helicopters delivered to the Turkish Army for trials did not meet the contracted requirements, specifically in terms of "vibration, balance, weight". The T129 was nose-heavy; to resolve this, 137 kg was added to the tail, causing the total weight to exceed the specified requirement. The higher weight may decrease the T129's service ceiling, which is detrimental for operating under hot and high conditions, like those found in Southeastern Anatolia. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries will adjust the contract in accordance, although experts expect weight reductions as development continues."T-129 not meeting requirements, requirements are changing" . Kokpit.aero, 22 February 2013.
On 22 April 2014, TAI formally delivered the first serial production T129 to the Turkish Land Forces. A total of nine T129s of the first batch were delivered to the Turkish Land Forces after completing qualification testing."TAI marks Turkish T129 ATAK milestone" . Shephardmedia.com, 18 August 2015.
HAVELSAN developed a simulator system for the T129 and presented it at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) 2017.IDEF 2017: HAVELSAN WILL SHOWCASE SIMULATOR FOR THE TAI T-129 ATAK . quwa.org, 1 May 2017.
Design The T129 ATAK is optimized for "hot and high conditions", performance requirements against challenging geographical and environmental conditions in night and day operations. It has several key improvements over the original A129 inline with the requirements of the Turkish Army. The T129 has been designed to achieve a high level of maneuverability, high impact resistance and ballistic tolerance, along with a reduced visibility, sound and radar silhouette.
The helicopter is equipped with the Hunter Kaska integrated control system. This system, which was purpose-designed for the T129, enables the automatic orientation of target detection and weapon systems to the pilot's line of sight with high tracking accuracy. The T129 is also equipped with a dedicated electro-optical FLIR system ASELFLIR-300T,"ASELFLIR-300T Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting System". ASELSAN.com.tr suitable for multi-purpose mission operations, it is manufactured by the Turkish company Aselsan. The rotorcraft is also equipped with advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure systems which increase survival capabilities in combat situations. These systems include a Radar Warning Receiver (RIAS), Radar Frequency Mixer (RFKS) and a Laser Receiver (LIAS) in addition to an automatic Countermeasure Firing System (KTAS).
The T129 can be used in a variety of roles, including anti-armour, armed reconnaissance, ground attack, escort, asymmetrical, fire support and short range anti-aircraft missions. It is equipped with a single 20 mm three-barrel rotary cannon fitted on a nose turret with 500 rounds of ammunition. The T129 can also be equipped with up to eight UMTAS 160 mm long range anti-tank missiles, 76 unguided 70mm rockets for close air support, 16 CIRIT 70 mm missiles and eight air launched Stinger short range air-to-air missiles.
Operational history
Turkey
In May 2014, the Turkish Army formally inducted the first nine T129s into service; these initial rotorcraft were to a less advanced interim T129A EDH model, intended to replace some of the ageing AH-1s in use prior to the introduction of the more capable T129B variant to service.Turkey inducts EDH-standard T129 attack helicopters - Flightglobal.com, 1 May 2014 On 25 April 2015, a pair of T129s were used in combat for the first time in a counter-terrorism operation in Turkey's Siirt Province.Two Turkish-made T-129 combat helicopters deployed for the first time in operation - Airrecognition.com, 4 May 2015. Delivery of the final EDH-standard T129s took place on 31 July 2015.Stevenson, Beth. "TAI completes deliveries of first T129 batch to Turkish army." Flight International, 17 August 2015.
On 10 February 2018, during the Turkish military operation in Afrin, northern Syria, a Turkish Army T129 was shot down by Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) anti-aircraft fire. The loss was confirmed by the Turkish Armed Forces and President Erdoğan.Zeytin Dalı Harekâtı: Düşen helikopterle ilgili taraflar ne diyor? bbc.com
Philippines
When the Philippine Air Force (PAF) re-evaluated its capabilities and performance after the siege of Marawi in 2017 against ISIS-inspired terrorists, it found that the MD-520MG Defender and the newer AW-109E Power armed helicopters did not have sufficient firepower. Instead of acquiring more light armed helicopters, the PAF favoured purpose-built attack helicopters, even if acquired in smaller quantities. The Philippine Air Force was offered the Boeing AH-64 Apache, the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK. In 2018, the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the PAF selected the T129 due to its lower acquisition costs. TAI was able to offer six T129s for the approved budget of around Php 13.8 Billion to be paid through Multi Year Contractual Authorities.
In 2021, the Department of National Defense signed a contract for six T129Bs for Php13.7 billion using Multi Year Contractual Authorities via a government-to-government deal with the Turkish Ministry of Defense. By December 2022, a total of four T129Bs and accompanying spare parts and logistical support had been accepted by the PAF; the last two helicopters were expected to be completed and delivered by 2023. The T129Bs are to be deployed to the 15th Strike Wing.
In May 2024, two more T129s formally entered active duty, effectively completing the delivery of six helicopters.
Nigeria According to a statement by the Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Temel Kotil during the Farnborough Airshow, TAI will provide six T129s to Nigeria under a recent contract. In January 2023, the Nigerian Air Chief announced that Nigeria will receive six T129s by the end of the first quarter of 2023. In November 2023, Nigeria took delivery of two T129 ATAK helicopters and have been effectively operational in the war against insurgency.
Potential operators
Bangladesh According to Türkiye Today, a US$600-million deal was approved in January 2026.
Brazil In September 2018, Brazil showed interest in acquiring the T129 with army officials visiting Turkey. In March 2019, ten Brazilian Army pilots received certificates for completing T129 test flights at Forte Ricardo Kirk, Taubaté.
Iraq In an Iraqi TV broadcast, the Iraqi defense minister announced in August 2021 that Iraq will acquire 12 T129 ATAK helicopters.
Pakistan