Indigenous Utility Helicopter Platform

The TAI T625 Gökbey is Turkey's first fully indigenous general-purpose helicopter, designed to replace aging UH-1 and AS532 Cougar fleets in the Turkish Armed Forces and other government agencies. The helicopter has completed extensive flight testing and is transitioning toward serial production. Initial production aircraft use LHTEC CTS800-4AT engines, with plans to switch to the indigenous TEI TS1400 turboshaft once certification is complete.

The Gökbey fills a critical gap in Turkey's rotorcraft capability. While Turkey successfully produces the T129 ATAK light attack helicopter (based on the AgustaWestland A129 Mangusta), it remains dependent on foreign helicopter types for utility roles. The Gökbey's indigenous design means Turkey controls the type certificate, upgrade path, and export rights — unlike the T129, whose engine exports were blocked by the US for certain customers.

The helicopter is designed in utility, VIP, medevac, search-and-rescue, and maritime variants, creating a versatile platform family that can serve military and civilian markets. Export potential is significant, particularly for countries that face restrictions on purchasing Western helicopter types or prefer to diversify their supply chains away from US and European manufacturers.