Defense & Military
Türkiye Expands T625 Gökbey Helicopter Fleet with Domestic Engines
Türkiye orders 57 additional T625 Gökbey helicopters featuring locally developed TEI-TS1400 engines, enhancing defense autonomy and export prospects.
Türkiye’s Strategic Expansion of the T625 Gökbey Helicopter Fleet
Türkiye’s defense industry has made significant strides in recent years, with a clear focus on self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. One of the most prominent examples of this strategy is the T625 Gökbey Helicopters program. Originally conceived as part of the Turkish Light Class Utility Helicopter (TLUH) initiative, the Gökbey is a domestically developed, multi-role platform designed for both military and civilian applications.
The recent announcement at IDEF 2025 regarding Türkiye’s order of 57 additional Gökbey helicopters marks a pivotal moment for the program. This procurement not only strengthens the country’s defense capabilities but also underscores its commitment to indigenous production, particularly through the integration of the locally developed TEI-TS1400 turboshaft engine. With deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028, this move reflects long-term strategic planning in both defense and industrial policy.
As Türkiye continues to expand its aerospace capabilities, the Gökbey project serves as a case study in the intersection of technology, policy, and geopolitics. This article explores the background, technical specifications, recent developments, and broader implications of the latest Gökbey order.
Background: The Road to Indigenous Helicopter Capability
The T625 Gökbey project was launched in 2013 under the auspices of the Turkish Light Class Utility Helicopter Program. The initiative aimed to replace aging platforms such as the Bell UH-1H and Sikorsky S-70B, which had long served in various branches of Türkiye’s armed forces. The broader goal was to reduce reliance on foreign-made systems and foster a sustainable domestic aerospace industry.
Development of the helicopter was led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), with significant contributions from other local firms including Aselsan for Avionics and TEI for engine development. The first prototype took flight in 2018, and by 2024, the helicopter had received civil certification, marking a major milestone in its development cycle.
The Gökbey is designed as a 6-ton class utility helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions, from troop transport and medical evacuation to search and rescue and offshore operations. Its versatility and modular design make it a valuable asset for both military and civilian users.
Strategic Objectives and National Policy
Türkiye’s defense strategy has increasingly emphasized the importance of indigenous production. The Gökbey program aligns with this vision by incorporating locally developed components, including the TEI-TS1400 engine. This engine replaces the previously used LHTEC CTS800, a joint U.S.-U.K. product, thereby reducing exposure to export restrictions and political uncertainties.
The Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) has played a central role in coordinating these efforts, ensuring that projects like the Gökbey receive the necessary funding, oversight, and strategic direction. The recent order of 57 helicopters is a testament to the government’s confidence in the platform and its readiness for large-scale deployment.
By investing in domestic capabilities, Türkiye aims to achieve strategic autonomy in critical defense technologies. This not only enhances national security but also positions the country as a competitive player in the global defense market.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The T625 Gökbey is engineered to deliver high performance across various operational scenarios. Its maximum takeoff weight is 6,050 kg, and it can reach speeds of up to 306 km/h. The helicopter has a standard range of 740 km, which can be extended to 948 km with auxiliary fuel tanks. Its service ceiling is 6,096 meters, allowing it to operate effectively in diverse environments.
One of the standout features of the Gökbey is its avionics suite, developed by Aselsan. The cockpit features a digital glass interface with touchscreen displays and advanced navigation systems. These technologies enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, contributing to safer and more efficient operations.
The helicopter can accommodate up to 12 passengers in addition to two crew members. This makes it suitable for a wide range of missions, from transporting troops and supplies to conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
“The Gökbey represents a leap forward in Türkiye’s aerospace capabilities, offering a versatile and reliable platform for both military and civilian users.”, Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TUSAŞ
Integration of the TEI-TS1400 Engine
A key milestone in the Gökbey program has been the integration of the TEI-TS1400 engine. Developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI), this turboshaft engine is a critical component in Türkiye’s efforts to localize defense production. The engine has undergone rigorous testing, including cold-weather trials in Sweden, to validate its performance under extreme conditions.
The TEI-TS1400 delivers the necessary power and efficiency for the Gökbey while eliminating the need for foreign-sourced propulsion systems. This not only enhances operational security but also contributes to economic savings. According to official sources, the use of domestic engines is expected to save Türkiye approximately $60 million annually.
With its successful integration, the TEI-TS1400 sets a precedent for future aerospace projects, potentially including unmanned aerial vehicles and other rotary-wing platforms.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
The contract for 57 new Gökbey helicopters was signed at the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition, signaling a major expansion of the program. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, with units allocated to various branches, including six helicopters for the Coast Guard and a significant number for the Naval Forces Command.
In parallel with domestic orders, TUSAŞ has accelerated production capabilities, aiming to manufacture up to four helicopters per month. The company has also set an ambitious export goal of 400 units by 2026, reflecting growing international interest in the platform.
One notable development is a reported $1 billion offer from an unnamed foreign buyer for 32 Gökbey helicopters. While details remain confidential, such interest underscores the helicopter’s potential in global markets, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa.
Operational Testing and Certification
The Gökbey has undergone extensive testing to ensure its reliability and performance. In early 2025, it completed cold-weather trials in Sweden, where over 60 test flights evaluated its rotor systems, hydraulic performance, and engine behavior in sub-zero conditions. These tests were crucial for validating its suitability for diverse climates and operational scenarios.
In December 2024, the Gökbey received civil Certification, enabling its use in non-military applications such as emergency medical services and search-and-rescue missions. This certification opens up new markets and broadens the helicopter’s appeal beyond the defense sector.
The helicopter also made its international debut during Teknofest in Northern Cyprus, marking its first overseas flight and showcasing its capabilities to a global audience.
Conclusion
The expansion of the T625 Gökbey fleet represents a significant milestone in Türkiye’s defense and aerospace strategy. By investing in indigenous technologies and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, the country is not only enhancing its national security but also laying the groundwork for a competitive export industry.
Looking ahead, the Gökbey is poised to play a central role in Türkiye’s defense modernization efforts. Its versatility, advanced technologies, and cost-effectiveness make it a strong contender in both domestic and international markets. As production ramps up and export deals materialize, the Gökbey could become a flagship product in Türkiye’s growing defense portfolio.
FAQ
What is the T625 Gökbey helicopter?
The T625 Gökbey is a domestically developed light utility helicopter designed by Turkish Aerospace Industries for both military and civilian use.
How many Gökbey helicopters has Türkiye ordered?
Türkiye recently ordered 57 additional Gökbey helicopters, bringing the total planned fleet to over 70 units.
When will the new helicopters be delivered?
Delivery for the new batch are scheduled to begin in 2028.
What engine powers the Gökbey?
The helicopter is powered by the TEI-TS1400 turboshaft engine, which is developed domestically by TUSAŞ Engine Industries.
Is the Gökbey available for export?
Yes, TUSAŞ is actively marketing the Gökbey internationally, with a potential $1 billion deal currently under discussion.
Sources
Army Recognition,
Aviation News,
Defence Turkey,
EDR Magazine,
Defence Security Asia,
Wikipedia,
TRT World,
Daily Sabah
Photo Credit: Defence Security Asia
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Bombardier Defense Signs 10-Year Support Deal With Sweden
Bombardier Defense and FMV finalized a 10-year support agreement for Sweden’s two Global 6500 TP 106 military transport aircraft.
Bombardier Defense and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) finalized a 10-year Services Support Agreement on July 22, 2026, securing long-term maintenance and operational readiness for Sweden’s newly acquired fleet of two Global 6500 transport aircraft.
Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in a company press release, the agreement enrolls the Swedish Armed Forces (SWEAF) in Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program. The comprehensive support package covers parts, labor, and engineering expertise for the aircraft, which are designated as the TP 106 in Swedish military service and replace the nation’s aging Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream G550 head-of-state transport fleet.
Fleet modernization and delivery timeline
The targeted acquisition deal for the two aircraft was valued at SEK 1.1 billion ($113 million) and formalized in May 2025, according to reporting by Aviation International News. The rapid procurement was enabled by utilizing existing airframes previously operated in Bombardier’s demonstration fleet, which were subsequently modified to meet Swedish Military-Aircraft requirements.
The formal handover of the aircraft took place on June 1, 2026, at the Uppland Wing F 16, as reported by Nordic Defence Sector. The aircraft will be operated by the 75th Swedish Civil Aviation Squadron at Skaraborg’s F7 Air Fleet, based at Stockholm Arlanda Airports (ARN), primarily conducting VIP and head-of-state transport missions.
Smart Services Defense and operational commonality
The 10-year agreement provides comprehensive cost coverage and logistical support for the new fleet. Bombardier stated the program includes landing gear and auxiliary power unit maintenance, ground support equipment, technical assistance, and access to mobile response teams.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Aftermarket Services, noted the program provides seamless original equipment OEMs support for the Swedish military.
“Through our Smart Services Defense program, the Swedish Armed Forces will benefit from seamless OEM support, enhanced readiness and predictable lifestyle costs, giving them the confidence to stay focused on the mission while we support their aircraft every step of the way,” Sislian said.
The selection of the Global 6500 platform offers strategic maintenance and operational commonality with Sweden’s incoming airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The Swedish Armed Forces are procuring the Saab GlobalEye, designated the S 106, which is also built upon the Bombardier Global aircraft family architecture.
AirPro News analysis
The 10-year support agreement underscores a growing trend among defense ministries to rely on commercial OEMs for turnkey lifecycle support rather than developing bespoke military maintenance pipelines for commercial derivative aircraft. By aligning the TP 106 VIP transport fleet with the underlying platform of the S 106 GlobalEye, the Swedish Armed Forces are establishing a unified logistical footprint. We view this procurement Strategy as a highly efficient approach to fleet modernization, reducing training burdens for maintenance personnel and ensuring higher dispatch reliability through Bombardier’s established global civilian support network.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Defense & Military
EU Funds SHARP Project for Next-Gen Military Helicopter Engine
The EU allocated €25M to the SHARP consortium, 25 partners from 12 countries developing Europe’s next military helicopter engine by 2040.
The European Commission has allocated approximately €25 million through the European Defence Fund to back a multinational consortium developing the propulsion architecture for Europe’s next generation of military helicopters.
Announced on June 11, 2026, at the ILA Berlin airshow, the Sovereign High-performance Architecture for Rotorcraft Propulsion (SHARP) project brings together 25 partners from 12 European countries. According to a joint press release from Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero, the initiative will establish the technological foundation for the European Next Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE), which is targeted to enter service in 2040.
Addressing an aging military rotorcraft fleet
The SHARP initiative aligns with broader European defense goals to replace a rapidly aging fleet of military aircraft under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) programs. The current European inventory includes approximately 1,800 transport helicopters and 600 combat helicopters, which currently average 20 years of age. By the 2040s, many of these aircraft will have been in service for over 50 years.
“In light of a continuously aging European fleet of military helicopters the need is obvious: From 2040 onwards, a large proportion of these rotorcraft will have to be replaced,” said Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines. “We joined forces across the continent to underline the importance of this technology program. It will further reinforce European sovereignty and strengthen the European supply chain.”
The funding will be used to develop scalable technological building blocks that can be adapted to various weight classes and mission profiles required by future European armed forces.
Collaborative framework and European sovereignty
The SHARP project builds upon the foundation of the EUropean Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance (EURA), a 50/50 joint venture established in July 2024 between Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines specifically to develop the ENGHE. The consortium has now expanded to include Avio Aero, broadening the industrial base tasked with designing the new powerplant.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet stated that the funding demonstrates Europe’s commitment to self-reliance and technological sovereignty for future military platforms, thanking the European Union and participating nations for their confidence in the consortium’s capabilities.
“SHARP marks an important milestone in the journey toward Europe’s next-generation rotorcraft engine and reinforces the value of collaboration in developing sovereign, high-performance propulsion technologies,” said Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero. “We are proud to partner with EURA on this initiative, contributing within a fully European framework while leveraging Avio Aero’s well-established expertise and know-how.”
EURA CEO Wolfgang Gärtner confirmed that the joint venture is prepared to coordinate the multinational team to provide modern technologies to European forces.
AirPro News analysis
The €25 million European Defence Fund grant represents a critical early step in aligning Europe’s fragmented defense aerospace sector behind a single rotorcraft propulsion program. By formalizing the SHARP consortium now, the European Union is actively working to prevent the development of competing, incompatible national engine programs that have historically complicated European defense procurement and increased long-term maintenance costs. We view the inclusion of Avio Aero alongside the EURA joint venture as a strong indicator that the ENGHE program is successfully consolidating the continent’s primary propulsion manufacturers ahead of the 2040 target.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
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