Turkey Orders 57 GÖKBEY Helicopters Equipped With Domestic TS1400 Engines
The Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) have signed a landmark agreement to produce 57 T625 GÖKBEY utility helicopters. This significant procurement deal mandates that all 57 aircraft will be powered by the domestically developed TEI-TS1400 turboshaft engine, marking a pivotal shift toward total engine independence for the national platform. Deliveries of these domestically powered units are scheduled to commence in 2028 and conclude by 2031, expanding the operational footprint of the GÖKBEY across various security and public agencies throughout Turkey.
- The total number of GÖKBEY helicopter orders has reached 83 units following the new contract.
- All 57 newly ordered helicopters will feature the indigenous TEI-TS1400 turboshaft engine.
- Deliveries are slated to begin in 2028 and will reach completion by 2031.
- The helicopters will serve various branches, including the Air Force, Navy, Gendarmerie, and Coast Guard.
Total Orders for the GÖKBEY Platform Reach 83 Units
With the signing of this latest contract, the total number of GÖKBEY orders has climbed to 83. The distribution of the 57 helicopters included in this specific agreement highlights the versatile utility of the platform across diverse branches of the state. The procurement includes 15 units for the General Directorate of Security, 14 for the Gendarmerie General Command, 11 for the Air Force, 8 for the Land Forces, 6 for the Coast Guard, and 3 for the Naval Forces. 
Each helicopter will be customized with mission-specific equipment tailored to the operational requirements of the respective institutions. This high degree of adaptability ensures that the GÖKBEY can perform a wide range of duties, from search and rescue missions and medical evacuation to high-level personnel transport and border security operations.
Domestic Engine Capabilities Enhance Operational Independence
A core element of the GÖKBEY program is the successful integration of the TEI-TS1400 turboshaft engine. Developed specifically for the 6-ton class helicopter, the TS1400 represents a technological breakthrough in Turkey’s defense manufacturing sector. The platform achieved its first test flight with this indigenous power plant on April 19, 2023, proving the viability of a fully nationalized propulsion system.
By committing to the TS1400 configuration for this massive 57-unit order, the defense industry has solidified its strategy to move away from foreign-sourced components. This transition encompasses not only the airframe and avionics but also the critical power group, ensuring that the entire lifecycle of the aircraft remains under domestic control.
Early Production Milestones Pave the Way for Future Growth
The GÖKBEY development story began with a contract signed in 2013 between the SSB and TUSAŞ. Since the maiden flight in 2018, the project has navigated rigorous certification and testing phases. The first serial production model was delivered in late 2024, followed by subsequent deliveries to the Gendarmerie in early 2025. While the initial units entered service, the ongoing certification process has allowed the program to evolve steadily. With the total order volume now reaching 83, the GÖKBEY is firmly established as the backbone of Turkey’s medium-lift helicopter fleet for the coming decade.
How do you evaluate the impact of using domestic engines like the TS1400 on the future of Turkey’s aerial defense capabilities? Share your thoughts on this technological milestone in the comments section below.
Your comment has been submitted,
it will be published after approval.