Pakistan and Türkiye are reportedly discussing a new collaboration to design and produce a helicopter together. This news surfaced after reports from Turkish media outlets highlighted discussions during the 8th Pak-Turk Industrial Fair Joint Working Group Meeting. This summit, which started this week at Pakistan’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP). This brought together officials from various government ministries and private companies from both countries.
The Meeting and Its Significance
The Pak-Turk Joint Working Group (JWG) is a semi-annual meeting where both nations’ top officials come together to discuss various projects. These projects often include advancements in technology, defense, and trade. The goal is to boost cooperation and create partnerships that can help both countries in various fields. This year’s JWG meeting focused heavily on defense, and discussions centered around the possibility of building a helicopter together. This idea could lead to significant benefits for both countries, especially in the defense sector.
The Pak-Turk Joint Working Group (JWG) is a semi-annual meeting where both nations’ top officials come together to discuss various projects. These projects often include advancements in technology, defense, and trade. The goal is to boost cooperation and create partnerships that can help both countries in various fields. This year’s JWG meeting focused heavily on defense, and discussions centered around the possibility of building a helicopter together. This idea could lead to significant benefits for both countries, especially in the defense sector.
The Potential of a Joint Helicopter Program
It is not yet clear whether the helicopter being discussed will be a civil or military model. However, since most of the participants at the JWG were defense contractors, including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), it is likely that the project will focus on a military helicopter. Both countries have a history of working together in the defense sector, and this helicopter could be another step in strengthening their military ties.
Pakistan has a long history of acquiring military equipment from Türkiye, and in 2018, Pakistan had ordered 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters from TAI. Unfortunately, this deal fell apart due to problems with getting approval for certain parts, specifically the engines from the United States. Despite this setback, Pakistan and Türkiye continued to explore defense projects together.
Challenges in Previous Helicopter Deals
The deal for the T129 ATAK helicopters faced significant hurdles. The United States was reluctant to approve re-export licenses for the engines needed for the T129 helicopters. As a result, Pakistan could not move forward with this deal. Additionally, in 2020, Pakistan’s Army Aviation Corps was expected to purchase the Chinese-made Z-10ME helicopters instead. But this deal also faced difficulties when the U.S. blocked the release of military funds that Pakistan planned to use for the purchase.
Despite these setbacks, both countries continued to look for solutions. Türkiye, in particular, has been working hard to develop its own indigenous helicopter engines to avoid relying on foreign countries. One such development is the TS1400 engine, which Türkiye has been working on since 2017. The engine is designed to power military helicopters and reduce Türkiye’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Role of Türkiye’s TS1400 Engine
The TS1400 engine is a key part of the discussions between Pakistan and Türkiye. This engine was developed by Türkiye’s Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) as part of the country’s effort to become more self-sufficient in defense technology. The TS1400 is a turboshaft engine, meaning it is designed to power helicopters. It was developed to replace foreign-made engines, particularly from the United States, which have been difficult to access at times.
After years of development, the TS1400 engine has shown promising results. In 2023, the engine was successfully tested in a TAI T625 Gökbey utility helicopter. This test marked a major milestone in the development of the TS1400, and the engine’s performance met international standards. In 2024, the engine underwent successful endurance tests, where it achieved a power rating of 1,740 shaft horsepower (shp), which is equivalent to 1,279 kilowatts (kW). These tests were part of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s certification process, which is expected to be completed by 2026.
Why Pakistan and Türkiye’s Helicopter Program is Important
The potential joint helicopter program between Pakistan and Türkiye is a significant development. If successful, it could lead to the creation of a new generation of helicopters, powered by the TS1400 engine. This collaboration would allow both countries to reduce their reliance on foreign suppliers and create military hardware that suits their specific needs.
For Pakistan, this could mean a more reliable and affordable source of military helicopters, which are essential for various defense operations. For Türkiye, it would further establish the country as a leader in defense technology, particularly in helicopter manufacturing.
Looking Ahead
While the details of the helicopter project are still unclear, it is likely that both Pakistan and Turkey are moving toward a stronger partnership in the defense sector. The development of the TS1400 engine and the possibility of producing a joint helicopter represent important steps for both Pakistan and Türkiye in strengthening their defense capabilities.
As the discussions continue, it is expected that more information will be revealed about the project. If the partnership moves forward, it could become one of the most important defense collaborations between the two countries in recent years.