This article is based on an official press release from TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries).

On March 16, 2026, the Turkish aerospace sector reached a historic milestone as the domestically developed T625 GÖKBEY multi-role helicopter received its civil Type Certificate from the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). Announced via an official statement by TUSAŞ CEO Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, the certification marks the first time Turkey has certified a domestically designed and manufactured rotary-wing aircraft for civilian passenger transport using its own national aviation authority.

This transition from a strictly military and defense platform into a regulated civil aviation asset opens the door for domestic public service applications, such as air ambulances, and significantly boosts the aircraft’s international export potential. According to the company’s announcement, the achievement represents the culmination of years of successful engineering, production, and testing processes.

The T625 GÖKBEY’s Path to Civil Certification

A Decade-Long Digital Certification Process

The journey to civil certification was a rigorous 10-year process, with the initial application submitted on March 23, 2016, according to a comprehensive industry research report. The SHGM certificate officially confirms that the helicopter’s aerodynamic design, flight performance, engine architecture, and transmission systems meet international civil aviation standards, specifically aligning with EASA CS-29 standards.

The certification campaign involved extensive and meticulous testing. Industry data indicates the process required over 600 technical meetings, more than 180 certification tests, approximately 18,000 flight test points, and the submission of over 800 compliance documents. Notably, this complex process was managed entirely digitally using the KDM-ERP Certification Module, making Turkey one of the few countries globally capable of managing end-to-end aircraft certification on a national digital platform.

Leadership Perspectives

In his public statement, TUSAŞ CEO Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu congratulated the engineering teams and highlighted the strategic importance of the achievement, noting that the helicopter was designed with civil applications in mind from its inception.

“Obtaining civil certification positions GÖKBEY as a critical asset in Turkey’s aviation portfolio,” stated Dr. Demiroğlu in the research report.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu also emphasized the historical context during the certificate handover ceremony. According to the provided research, Uraloğlu noted that the milestone crowns TUSAŞ’s journey of independence.

“This certificate makes Turkey one of the few countries that can design, produce, and certify a civil rotary-wing aircraft… without foreign dependence,” Uraloğlu remarked.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

Performance and Avionics

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the GÖKBEY is a 6-ton class, twin-engine multi-role utility helicopter. According to technical specifications provided in the research report, the aircraft measures 15.87 meters in length and has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 6,050 kilograms. It is designed to accommodate two crew members and up to 12 passengers.

The aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 306 km/h, a service ceiling of 6,096 meters (20,000 feet), and a standard range of over 740 kilometers, which can be extended to 948 kilometers with the use of auxiliary tanks. It features a full glass cockpit equipped with advanced ASELSAN avionics, including wide touchscreen displays and a four-axis dual redundant automatic flight control system.

Engine Development

Currently, the GÖKBEY is powered by two LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft engines, each providing 1,024 kW of power. However, the research report notes that future production units are slated to utilize the indigenous TEI TS1400 engine, which successfully completed its first test-flights on the GÖKBEY platform in April 2023.

Future Outlook: Air Ambulances and Firefighting

Expanding the Fleet

Following the baseline civil certification, TUSAŞ is moving rapidly to deploy the GÖKBEY in public service roles. The company plans to obtain a specific certification for an air ambulance configuration within the next three to four months. By the end of 2026, the first three GÖKBEY helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the Turkish Ministry of Health for use as air ambulances, according to the research report.

Furthermore, TUSAŞ is leveraging the GÖKBEY’s technology to develop a larger, 10-ton firefighting helicopter capable of carrying four tons of water for the General Directorate of Forestry. First flights for this variant are expected by late 2026 or early 2027, with deliveries targeted to begin in 2028.

AirPro News analysis

The civil certification of the T625 GÖKBEY represents a highly successful pivot of military research and development into the commercial and civil sectors. Originally conceived in 2013 to replace aging military fleets for the Turkish Armed Forces and Gendarmerie, the platform’s approval by a civil aviation authority demonstrates that Turkey’s defense ecosystem can produce commercially viable, regulated civilian products.

We view this milestone as a critical enabler for international exports. In the global aviation market, civil authority approval is a strict prerequisite for sales. By targeting European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification next, TUSAŞ is positioning the GÖKBEY to compete directly with established Western rotorcraft manufacturers. This aligns perfectly with Turkey’s broader “National Technology Initiative” (Milli Teknoloji Hamlesi), which aims to drastically reduce foreign dependency in critical aerospace sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the T625 GÖKBEY?
  The T625 GÖKBEY is a new-generation, twin-engine, 6-ton class multi-role utility helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). It is designed to carry two crew members and up to 12 passengers.
• What does the civil certification mean?
  Issued by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), the Type Certificate confirms the helicopter meets international civil aviation standards (EASA CS-29), allowing it to be used for civilian passenger transport and public services.
• When will the GÖKBEY enter civilian service?
  According to industry reports, the first three GÖKBEY helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the Turkish Ministry of Health for use as air ambulances by the end of 2026.

Sources

• TUSAŞ Official Statement (LinkedIn)
• Industry Research Report on T625 GÖKBEY Certification

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. The original report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Aerospace manufacturing giants Honeywell and Howmet are actively scaling their operations to navigate a simultaneous surge in commercial aviation needs and military contracts. According to reporting by Reuters, executives from both companies confirmed on Tuesday that they are positioned to expand production capabilities.

The dual demand is being driven by a prolonged boom in commercial aircraft parts and a rapid acceleration in the defense sector, which is responding to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. As global supply chains remain under pressure, these manufacturers are working to ensure they can deliver on record backlogs without compromising either market segment.

Scaling Production Amid Global Tensions

The aerospace supply-chain has been stretched thin over the past few years, but top-tier suppliers are signaling confidence in their ability to meet the moment. Reuters reports that leadership at both Honeywell Aerospace and Howmet Aerospace believe they can successfully manage the influx of orders.

In their coverage, Reuters noted that the companies plan to:

“grow capacity to meet strong commercial demand for plane parts and munitions,”

as international defense spending ramps up due to geopolitical strife.

Honeywell’s Strategic Outlook

Honeywell’s confidence comes despite near-term logistical hurdles. Speaking at the BofA Securities’ Global Industrials Conference on Tuesday, Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur addressed the current operating environment. According to industry reports, Kapur acknowledged that shipping disruptions in the Middle East could delay some first-quarter revenue into later months, such as April or May.

However, Kapur emphasized that overall demand remains fully intact. The company views the shipping delays as a transitory, tactical issue rather than a structural headwind. Based on public financial disclosures, Honeywell is maintaining its full-year 2026 sales guidance of between $38.8 billion and $39.8 billion, alongside an adjusted profit expectation of $10.35 to $10.65 per share.

Howmet Capitalizes on Defense Spending

Howmet Aerospace is similarly benefiting from the current macroeconomic environment, particularly within its defense portfolio. The company has seen sustained momentum driven by robust military budgets and the need to replenish stockpiles.

Engine Spares and Legacy Programs

Industry estimates indicate that Howmet’s defense aerospace revenue has seen significant double-digit growth in recent quarters. This surge is largely fueled by high demand for engine spares, notably for advanced platforms like the F-35 program, as well as replacement parts for legacy fighter jets. By growing capacity, Howmet aims to keep pace with these critical defense requirements while still servicing its commercial airline customers who are flying older jets longer due to new aircraft delivery delays.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the simultaneous boom in commercial and defense aerospace presents a unique “high-class problem” for tier-one suppliers like Honeywell and Howmet. On one hand, long-cycle orders and double-digit backlogs provide unprecedented revenue visibility through the end of the decade. On the other hand, executing on these backlogs requires flawless supply chain management in an era of unpredictable geopolitical disruptions.

Honeywell’s ability to hold its 2026 financial guidance despite acknowledging Q1 shipping delays in the Middle East suggests that pricing power and aftermarket service margins are strong enough to absorb short-term logistical shocks. Meanwhile, Howmet’s heavy exposure to critical military engine programs insulates it from potential softening in other industrial sectors. Ultimately, the companies that can physically expand capacity and secure raw materials fastest will capture the lion’s share of this dual-market supercycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are aerospace parts in such high demand?

Commercial airlines are facing delays in receiving new aircraft from major manufacturers, forcing them to fly older planes longer. This significantly increases the demand for aftermarket maintenance, repair, and replacement parts.

How is geopolitical strife affecting aerospace manufacturers?

Ongoing global conflicts have prompted governments worldwide to increase defense budgets and replenish munitions stockpiles. This has led to a surge in military contracts for aerospace and defense suppliers, requiring them to expand production capacity to meet the urgent needs of the defense sector.

Sources

• Reuters

This article is based on an official press release from ROBOZE.

On March 16, 2026, manufacturing technology company ROBOZE announced the launch of the ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED MISSION READY (MR), a new industrial additive manufacturing platform. According to the company’s press release, the system is specifically engineered to produce high-performance polymer and composite parts for the aerospace and defense sectors, where operational readiness and repeatability are critical.

As global supply-chains face mounting disruptions, the aerospace and defense industries are increasingly turning to additive manufacturing to secure their production lines. The ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED MR aims to address this by allowing organizations to manufacture mission-critical, end-use components on demand, effectively bypassing traditional, fragile supply networks.

We note that this launch represents a significant step in the industry’s structural shift. Additive manufacturing is moving beyond rapid prototyping and into the full-scale, serial production of flight-critical and combat-ready components, utilizing advanced super polymers that can replace traditionally machined metal parts.

Technical Innovations and Material Science

Integrated Moisture Control Architecture

A primary differentiator of the new “Mission Ready” platform is its integrated material conditioning architecture. According to ROBOZE, moisture control is vital when processing advanced polymers, as even microscopic variations in humidity can severely degrade a part’s mechanical performance and reliability. By embedding environmental controls directly into the manufacturing workflow, the ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED MR ensures the strict process control required to meet aerospace qualification standards.

Industry research indicates that the base platform features a substantial build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm and a high-temperature build enclosure. Furthermore, the system is capable of print speeds up to 120 mm/sec, making it up to 62% faster than the company’s legacy models.

Advanced Super Polymers for Metal Replacement

The success of the platform relies heavily on its compatibility with industry-standard, high-performance materials. The press release highlights the use of SABIC’s ULTEM AM9085F resin, a polyetherimide (PEI) widely utilized in aerospace cabin interiors due to its inherent flame-retardant properties. Industry data confirms this material meets strict FAA 25.853 aviation standards for low smoke and toxicity.

Additionally, the system is optimized for ROBOZE’s proprietary Carbon PEEK, a composite material designed for corrosive environments and metal replacement. Background industry research shows that Carbon PEEK offers weight savings of over 50% compared to traditional metals while maintaining exceptional strength. Crucially for space and high-altitude applications, this material has passed stringent ASTM E595 outgassing tests, ensuring it does not release hazardous volatile compounds in vacuum environments.

Strategic Defense Alignment and Market Growth

Leadership and DoD Focus

The launch of the ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED MR aligns with a broader strategic push by ROBOZE into the defense sector. In the official press release, ROBOZE Founder and CEO Alessio Lorusso emphasized the geopolitical necessity of the new platform, noting that technological sovereignty is now a mission-critical capability.

“ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED MISSION READY enables aerospace and defense organizations to produce advanced components on demand — strengthening operational readiness,” Lorusso stated in the release.

This defense-oriented strategy is further underscored by the company’s leadership. Scott Sevcik, who industry records show was appointed Executive Vice President of Aerospace & Defense at ROBOZE in December 2025 to align the company’s technology with U.S. Department of Defense requirements, highlighted the rigorous engineering behind the new printer.

“ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED MISSION READY was engineered to deliver the repeatability, material control and reliability required to meet the stringent qualification requirements,” said Sevcik.

Market Projections

The introduction of this platform coincides with massive projected growth in the sector. According to verified industry estimates, the aerospace and defense additive manufacturing market is expected to surge from approximately $7.68 billion in 2025 to over $34 billion by 2035. This growth is driven by the urgent need for distributed manufacturing capabilities and lightweighting initiatives.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the “Metal Replacement” era has officially arrived in aerospace manufacturing. The narrative surrounding 3D printing has evolved significantly; it is no longer merely a tool for creating plastic prototypes. By utilizing super polymers like Carbon PEEK that rival the strength of aluminum but weigh half as much, aerospace manufacturers can drastically reduce aircraft weight. This directly translates to improved fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and increased payload capacity.

Furthermore, ROBOZE is making a highly targeted and aggressive play for U.S. defense contracts. The emphasis on integrated moisture control, a highly technical but critical feature, demonstrates a deep understanding of military qualification standards. Combined with the strategic hiring of defense veterans and the adoption of their technology by contractors like CRG Defense, ROBOZE is positioning itself as a foundational manufacturing platform for the Pentagon’s distributed manufacturing initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED MISSION READY?

It is a new industrial 3D printing platform developed by ROBOZE, specifically designed to manufacture high-performance polymer and composite parts for the aerospace and defense industries.

Why is moisture control important in 3D printing?

Advanced polymers are highly sensitive to moisture. Even small amounts of humidity can degrade the mechanical performance and reliability of a printed part. Integrated moisture control ensures the consistency required for flight-critical components.

What materials does the new ROBOZE printer use?

The platform is optimized for advanced materials, including SABIC’s ULTEM AM9085F resin for cabin interiors and ROBOZE’s Carbon PEEK, which is used to replace traditionally machined metal parts.

Sources

• ROBOZE Official Press Release