Posted by meb at May 20th, 2008

As Turkey has initiated talks with the US firm Boeing for the purchase of 10 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, the US-based Sikorsky has recently offered Ankara its newly developed heavy-lift helicopters in an attempt to beat Boeing, according to well-informed Turkish defense industry sources.

Turkish defense industry sources have confirmed Today’s Zaman’s earlier reports that Turkey applied to the US administration in February for the purchase of 10 heavy-lift helicopters under a sole source contract from Boeing.

Including logistical support and maintenance, Turkey would pay around $700 million for the Chinook helicopters, and it is doubtful that a deal would be struck before next year.

However, the same sources stated that Sikorsky, which was negotiating with Turkey for the sale of eight of its S-80 Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters before Turkey’s Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM) cancelled the program in 2001 due to a national financial crisis, has recently attempted to compete with Boeing.

But instead of aging Super Stallions, Sikorsky has offered Turkey its newest model, the CH-53K, which is under development for the US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps is expected to start receiving the first shipments of Sikorsky’s new marinized heavy lifters in 2015.

Sikorsky’s attempt to enter the Turkish market with Boeing will be beneficial for Turkey in terms of competition, as Boeing’s Chinook would have been purchased under a sole source contract, reducing Turkey’s bargaining position, according to a Turkish defense contractor.

The heavy-lift helicopter project, dating back to the mid-1990s, has been revived lately with the easing of the effects of the 2001 financial crisis. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) needs the support of heavy-lift helicopters as its fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has intensified.
source: Today’s Zaman

Related posts:

  1. Sikorsky contracts Curtiss-Wright Controls for Turkish Navy helicopters
  2. Turkish defense fair sees increased interest from African continent
  3. Putin’s battle over Caspian energy resources and transport routes
  4. Naval tenders for Moship and Ratship
  5. Turkish Airlines to purchase five new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft