Will Türkiye change the balance with the ATAK-II project?

Attack helicopters are among the most critical elements of today's militaries. The US Apache, Russia's Ka-52, Europe's Tiger, and China's Z-10 are all field-proven platforms. Amidst this competition, Turkey is preparing to turn a new page with the ATAK-II project .

From ATAK to ATAK-II: Transition to Domestic and Heavy Class

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the T129 ATAK has proven itself in counterterrorism and cross-border operations. However, Turkey needed a larger, heavier helicopter.

ATAK-II , which emerged as a response to this need, is not only an enlarged version of the existing ATAK, but also a completely new concept .

• Maximum take-off weight: 10 ton class

• Weapon load: up to 1,500 kg

• Engine: It is aimed to be equipped with a domestic engine developed by Turkey.

• Mission profile: Close air support to armored units, electronic warfare and high-intensity combat environment

The ATAK-II will be in the same league as the US Apache and the Russian Ka-52 in terms of size and weight.

Global Competition: Türkiye's Position

• US Apache (AH-64E) : Still the market leader with its network-centric warfare capability and years of experience in the field.

• Russian Ka-52 Alligator : It stands out with its maneuverability superiority thanks to its coaxial rotor system.

• China Z-10ME : Cost-effective, growing with aggressive sales in regional markets.

• European Tiger Mk III : Gains stronger sensor and missile integration through the modernization process.

• Turkey ATAK-II : Aims to enter the market with lower costs, flexible use, and export capabilities . It could be a significant alternative, particularly in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Strategic Importance

For Türkiye, ATAK-II is not just a helicopter, it is also:

• Increasing localization rate in the defense industry

• Moving to a higher class in export markets

• An attractive alternative for NATO and regional countries

• Indicator of Türkiye's vision of "independence in defense technologies"

The project also puts Turkey in a position to compete directly with global symbol helicopters such as the Apache and Ka-52 .

Future Perspective

According to experts, the success of ATAK-II depends on three critical factors:

1. The introduction of the domestic engine

2. Integration of electronic warfare and network-centric warfare systems

3. Competitive pricing policy in international markets

If these three pillars are successfully implemented, Turkey can become a global player in the attack helicopter market with the ATAK-II.

Today, the US, Russia, China, and Europe are flexing their muscles in the skies with their own models. Turkey, with the ATAK-II, aims not to join this competition but to change the market equation .

The critical question is: can the ATAK-II shake the Apache's throne, or will it become merely a regional force like the Ka-52 and Z-10?

Source: Aeronews24.com