Turkey’s first indigenous multi-role helicopter, the T625 GÖKBEY, has once again demonstrated the technological progress and engineering excellence of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). Designed to strengthen Turkey’s independence in aerospace technology, GÖKBEY successfully passed a new milestone by completing low-altitude cold weather tests conducted in Kiruna, Sweden, one of the coldest regions in Europe.

The aircraft, which made its maiden flight on September 6, 2018, and was officially named “GÖKBEY” by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 12 of the same year, continues to progress steadily through its certification and development stages. Following the delivery of the first three serial production units, GÖKBEY underwent an extensive series of tests to assess its performance under extreme winter conditions.

During the month-long test program, the helicopter performed 60 sorties totaling 60 flight hours in temperatures as low as -30°C, completing over 600 individual test points. The tests evaluated the helicopter’s propulsion, rotor, hydraulic, and environmental control systems, confirming that GÖKBEY remains fully operational and controllable even under severe arctic weather.

At a test speed of 176 knots, GÖKBEY successfully completed control and maneuverability assessments, verifying its flight safety and handling characteristics. The TUSAŞ engineering and test teams, including experienced pilots, flight test engineers, and design staff, ensured all operations were performed under strict aviation safety standards.

The successful completion of these tests marks a major step toward both civil and military certification, strengthening GÖKBEY’s position as a reliable platform for diverse missions — including search and rescue, air ambulance, personnel transport, and training operations.

GÖKBEY’s outstanding performance in cold weather conditions underscores Turkey’s growing self-sufficiency in aerospace and defense technology and reaffirms TUSAŞ’s role as a global player in next-generation helicopter design and production.