The Gökbey helicopter, a new milestone in Türkiye's domestic and national defense industry, was delivered to the Gendarmerie General Command on the 101st anniversary of the Republic.
This delivery stands out as an indication that the Gökbey has entered mass production and demonstrates Türkiye's commitment to meeting its defense needs with domestic resources.
Gökbey is Türkiye's first domestically produced general-purpose helicopter, designed for various military and civilian missions. Following the initial delivery, two more helicopters will be delivered to the Gendarmerie General Command by the end of the year.
Gökbey Helicopter Delivery Plans:
- Turkish Land Forces Command: 7 pieces
- Air Force Command: 4 pieces
- Gendarmerie General Command: 3 pieces
- General Directorate of Security: 3 pieces
- Coast Guard Command: 3 pieces
The goal is to deliver 20 Gökbey helicopters by the end of 2026. Furthermore, in line with the needs of the Naval Forces Command, plans are underway for the serial production of an additional 57 Gökbey helicopters.
Ambulance Helicopters:
Gökbey helicopters are important not only for military purposes but also for civilian use. Ambulance helicopters, currently under production for the Ministry of Health, will be delivered starting in early 2026. This development will enable Türkiye to offer modern and rapid solutions in emergency health services.
Domestic Engine Development:
Significant steps have also been taken to increase the domestic production rate for the engines of the Gökbey helicopters. The TS1400 engine, developed by TEI, successfully completed its first flight with the Gökbey in 2023. From 2028 onwards, all Gökbey helicopter deliveries will be equipped with this domestically produced engine.
Gökbey Helicopter's Future Plans:
In the coming period, procurement planning continues for more than 100 Gökbey helicopters. This plan demonstrates Türkiye's desire not only to meet its defense needs but also to create a product that can compete in the international market. With its use in both military and civilian fields, Gökbey strengthens Türkiye's claim to leadership in aviation and defense technologies.
With the Gökbey project, Turkey is not only meeting its own defense needs but also taking a significant step towards emerging as a regional and global aviation power. This development, as part of Türkiye's strategy to increase technological independence and domestic production capacity, will also make significant contributions to the national economy and employment.
