Türkiye’s GÖKBEY helicopter set for production in Saudi Arabia photo

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) has advanced its international cooperation efforts by signing a landmark agreement during the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to Defence Turk, the sides concluded the first official memorandum of understanding providing for the joint production of GÖKBEY helicopters outside Türkiye.

The memorandum was signed between TUSAŞ, the Saudi Ministry of Investment, and the Kingdom’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

Representing TUSAŞ, the document was signed by Gökhan Uçar, Deputy Head of the Defence Industry Authority under the Administration of the President of Türkiye and a member of the company’s board of directors. Senior officials from the Saudi Ministry of Investment and GAMI signed on behalf of the Kingdom.

The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation and joint manufacturing activities focused on the development and transfer of advanced technologies.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Saudi Ministry of Investment and GAMI will assess the helicopter requirements of the country’s military and civilian institutions and coordinate the formation of procurement orders. Based on the volume of confirmed demand, TUSAŞ is expected to launch GÖKBEY helicopter production in Saudi Arabia in partnership with a local manufacturer. The project’s technical specifications, production capacities, and other operational parameters will be defined following a comprehensive evaluation of the collected orders.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which prioritises increasing the localisation of the Kingdom’s defence industry. The modular architecture of the GÖKBEY platform — allowing adaptation to a wide range of missions — has been cited as a key factor behind Saudi interest in the project. Helicopters manufactured in the Kingdom are intended not only to meet domestic operational needs but also to be exported to neighbouring countries.

The T625 GÖKBEY helicopter is designed primarily for the Turkish Armed Forces as well as for friendly and allied states. It is engineered to operate effectively in demanding climatic and geographical environments, including high-altitude and high-temperature conditions, both day and night. The aircraft is powered by the domestically produced TS1400 turboshaft engine developed by TEI.

The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 6 tons and can carry up to 12 passengers. It reaches a maximum speed of 306 kilometres per hour, has a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, and an endurance exceeding 3.8 hours. When equipped with external fuel tanks, its flight time surpasses five hours, and its maximum range extends to 948 kilometres.

Within the broader T625 GÖKBEY program, particular emphasis has been placed on optimising structural components, avionics, and mechanical systems. These enhancements are aimed at increasing operational readiness while reducing maintenance expenditures.

TUSAŞ’s Integrated Logistics Support division has developed comprehensive service and maintenance plans, supported by qualified specialists, to minimise unforeseen incidents and improve overall operational efficiency.

By Tamilla Hasanova