The Turkish Aviation Association (Türk Hava Kurumu — THK) has signed a contract with the state company Ukrspetsexport for the repair and maintenance of helicopters. After that, Turkey wanted to repair the Russian Mi-17 in the markets of the Middle East and Asia, - reports Daily Sabah with reference to the general director of THK Cemal Balıkçı (Cemal Balıkçı).
The representative of THK said that at the International Defense Industry Exhibition (IDEF-2021), the Turkish company signed an agreement with the Ukrainian side on the creation of a base for the overhaul and maintenance of Mi-17 helicopters in Turkey.
The base will be established in Ankara, and the repair of helicopters will be carried out by Turkish specialists. Balykci noted that the Main Command of the Turkish Gendarmerie has a fleet of eighteen Mi-17 helicopters. Repair and modernization of each helicopter costs $ 2.5 million — under the previous contract with Ukrspetsexport, 420 thousand dollars were paid to THK, and the remaining amount went to the Ukrainian side.
According to the representative of THK, now most of the payment will remain in Turkey, and a smaller share will go to pay for engine tests by the Ukrainian company Motor Sich, and the purchase of spare parts. Moreover, over time, Turkey can master the production of new units, which will reduce dependence on foreign companies, " added Cemal Balykci.
THK is also interested in foreign markets. Balykchi recalled that more than one and a half thousand Mi-17s are operated in the world. Some of the helicopters are used by the countries of the Middle East and Asia. Turkey plans to enter these markets. Several countries, including Libya, Pakistan and Azerbaijan, are potential customers of Mi-17 repair services, " Balykchi added. According to him, the Libyan delegation at IDEF-2021 expressed interest in repairing helicopters immediately after signing the relevant contract. After working out the maintenance of the Mi-17, THK plans to create an authorized center for the maintenance and repair of Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters, " added Jemal Balykchi.
Daniil Irinin
