Finalizes Long-Dormant Contract For 109 Utility Aircraft

The Government of Turkey and Sikorsky have finalized a contract characterized as "long dormant" for the production of 109 utility helicopters, according to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In remarks made during an event for the delivery of Boeing's first airborne early warning aircraft to the country and broadcast on state television, Erdogan said the $3.5 billion deal had been completed. Sikorsky will co-produce the helos in Turkey.

Defense News reports that the deal had nearly closed last May, but Turkish defense procurement officials said that "U.S. corporate and other bureaucracy" had caused the deal to be delayed. Turkey selected Sikorsky back in 2011 as its partner to build the country's latest utility helicopters.

The initial deal is for 109 aircraft, but follow-on orders could boost that number to as many as 600 platforms worth $20 billion. Most will be placed in service with the military, but some will be deployed with the Security Directorate (police force) and with the Firefighting Department.

FMI: www.sikorksy.com