Footage of T129 ATAK attack helicopters being used in counter-terrorism operations against BIFF, neutralising four terrorists, appeared on social media.
TUSAŞ’s T129 ATAK has joined the Philippine Air Force’s counter-terrorism operations. Footage showing a T129 ATAK engaging terrorists affiliated with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) appeared on social media.
T129 ATAK is known to have been used by the Turkish Army, the General Directorate of Security (EGM) special forces (PÖH), and the Gendarmerie Special Forces (PÖH) in counter-terrorism operations.
The attack helicopter is designed to operate in challenging conditions thanks to a high power/weight ratio provided by a pair of CTS800 turboshaft engines, and its lightweight build has various armament options fit for counter-terrorism operations, including unguided 70 mm rockets, a CİRİT laser-guided missile, a 20 mm chin gun, and UMTAS ATGMs.
In addition to close air support, T129 ATAK provides ISR support with the onboard EO/IR system. Legacy T129 ATAK helicopters use the ASELFLIR 300T while the newer production models have adopted the newer, lighter, and more versatile ASELFLIR 410.
