ANKARA, Turkey, April 22 (UPI) -- The Turkish government has selected the U.S. firm Sikorsky as the partner company to lead production of the country's next generation of utility helicopters.
The decision was made at a meeting of the Defense Industry Executive Committee, Turkey's highest decision-making body on defense procurement, the Hurriyet Daily News reported Thursday.
Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said the cost of the project, which covers the acquisition of 109 helicopters, was $3.5 billion.
The number of helicopters to be produced could reach 600, he said.
Several Turkish companies, most notably Turkish Aerospace Industries, will take part in the joint production of the platforms.
"Some important components of the helicopters, such as the body, engine, avionics systems and task software, will be produced in Turkey as TAI will be the main contractor," Gonul said.
The Under-secretariat for Defense Industries and Sikorsky will start contract negotiations for the building of a first batch of aircraft.
Sikorsky was competing with AgustaWestland for the contract. Sikorsky offered its T-70, the Turkish version of its S-70 Black Hawk International. AgustaWestland was competing with its TUHP 149, the Turkish version of its newly developed A-149.
