Turkish Aerospace delivers first T625 Gokbey utility helicopter

The Gokbey is a 6-metric-ton, twin-engine medium helicopter in the class of Leonardo’s AW139 and Airbus’ H160 utility helicopter.

The aircraft has been designed primarily to replace the numerous Bell UH-1 Iroquois/Huey types still operating in the Turkish government’s inventory. But the company also wants to secure civilian certification and bring it to the international market.

“Today’s delivery of our Gokbey is not just a helicopter delivery, but also a step forward in Turkey’s defense industry,” said Haluk Gorgun, the head of Turkey’s Defense Industries Agency.

He added that national defence projects had now made “Turkey a brand in the [global] defense industry.”

Two more Gokbeys will be delivered before the end of the year, and some 20 more T625s have been formally ordered for various Turkish government agencies. They will be delivered in 2025, including aircraft for the country’s army, air force, coast guard and security agencies.