Türkiye unveils first homegrown helicopter landing light system on export corvette PHOTO

Türkiye has launched its first domestically developed helicopter landing visual lighting system, HEGİDAS, aboard a corvette being exported abroad.

The system, developed by STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş., represents a major milestone in the country's push to establish an independent defence industry, Caliber.Az reports, citing SavunmaSanayiST.com defence news website’s message on X.

Türkiye’de ilk kez STM tarafından yerlileştirilen ve savaş gemilerinde kullanılan Helikopter Görsel İniş Destek Aydınlatma Sistemi (HEGİDAS) bir korvet ihracat projesinde devreye alındı ve kullanılmaya başlandı.

12 Ayrı Savaş Gemisinde Görev Yapacak

Yerli olarak üretilen… pic.twitter.com/D8ryPzITdk

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) April 21, 2025

In 2023, STM localised the HEGİDAS system in collaboration with Berkin Savunma Sanayi Mühendislik Ticaret A.Ş. It has now completed acceptance testing and entered service on a corvette project managed by STM for an international client. 

The HEGİDAS system is also set to be deployed on three corvettes under Malaysia’s Corvette Project and on Türkiye’s sixth to twelfth MİLGEM İstif-class vessels—bringing its footprint to 12 naval platforms.

HEGİDAS consists of a visual guidance unit, cockpit lighting systems, and software that allows for operational configuration tailored to mission needs. Its primary advantage lies in improving flight safety for helicopter pilots during night operations or in low-visibility conditions, while reducing cognitive load on the flight crew. 

Designed for broad applicability, the HEGİDAS system is compatible with all military surface vessels equipped with helipads, including frigates, supply ships, and tankers. Its integration is expected to significantly bolster operational efficiency across Türkiye’s growing naval fleet and its export partners.

By Naila Huseynova