GÖKBEY Helicopter: Third Delivery to Gendarmerie Command
**The General Command of Gendarmerie has officially received its third GÖKBEY helicopter, marking a significant milestone in Turkey’s aviation capabilities.** This announcement was made on social media by the Gendarmerie General Command, confirming the addition of the latest GÖKBEY helicopter to their operational fleet. The delivery process began with the first helicopter’s handover during a ceremony held on October 29, 2023, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya at TUSAŞ facilities. Following this, the second helicopter was delivered on December 11, 2023, culminating in the recent transfer on January 10, 2025.
Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of TUSAŞ, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the delivery process, stating, “We are taking firm steps while progressing towards Turkey’s goal of complete technological independence. The third general-purpose helicopter, T625 GÖKBEY, is now with the Gendarmerie General Command. Produced using domestic resources, the T625 GÖKBEY will enhance our presence in various arenas.” He emphasized the growing pride associated with the GÖKBEY helicopter, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to advancing its defense capabilities.
Future Deliveries and Production Plans
During the T625 GÖKBEY Delivery Ceremony, President Erdoğan outlined an ambitious plan for the future, announcing that a total of 20 GÖKBEY helicopters are scheduled for delivery by 2026. This includes deliveries to various military branches: initially, two to the Gendarmerie General Command, seven to the Land Forces Command, four to the Air Forces Command, three to the General Directorate of Security, and three to the Coast Guard Command. Erdoğan also revealed that production planning for an additional 57 GÖKBEY helicopters is underway, tailored to the needs of the Naval Forces Command.
Additionally, the President noted that ambulance helicopters designed for the Ministry of Health are set to begin deliveries in early 2026. He stressed that procurement plans for more than 100 GÖKBEY helicopters are actively being developed for the forthcoming period, signaling a robust expansion in Turkey’s helicopter manufacturing capabilities.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The T625 GÖKBEY helicopter stands out for its versatility and performance under challenging conditions. It is designed to carry out a variety of missions in extreme weather and geographic environments, operating effectively at high altitudes and temperatures during both day and night. The helicopter is powered by TEI-produced TS1400 turboshaft engines, offering a total takeoff weight of six tons and the ability to transport up to 12 passengers.
With a maximum speed of 306 kilometers per hour and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, the T625 GÖKBEY can remain airborne for over 3.8 hours. When equipped with an external fuel tank, its flight duration extends beyond five hours, achieving a maximum range of 948 kilometers. This helicopter is engineered not only for performance but also for operational efficiency.
Maintenance and Operational Efficiency
The delivered T625 GÖKBEY helicopter is designed to maximize operational readiness while minimizing maintenance costs. Its innovative structural, avionics, and mechanical system designs contribute to enhanced reliability and efficiency. TUSAŞ has developed comprehensive Maintenance Service Plans, supported by trained personnel, to tackle unexpected challenges and optimize operational performance.
With a length of 15.87 meters when the rotors are spinning, and a maximum takeoff weight of 6,050 kilograms, the T625 GÖKBEY is engineered for effective multi-role utilization. It features a crew of two, a passenger capacity of 12, and impressive specs that ensure it meets the demanding requirements of modern aerial operations.
Turkey’s National Helicopter Initiative
In the context of national defense and technological advancement, Turkey’s GÖKBEY helicopter program is a significant achievement spearheaded by ASELSAN. This initiative showcases Turkey’s commitment to developing indigenous aviation technologies, reducing reliance on foreign resources, and bolstering national security.
As the GÖKBEY helicopter joins the ranks of Turkey’s defense arsenal, it symbolizes the nation’s progress towards self-sufficiency in military aviation. The ongoing developments and future plans for the GÖKBEY highlight Turkey’s aspirations to enhance its defense capabilities and assert its presence on the global stage.
