Turkey’s defense industry has taken another significant step toward full localization in naval systems with the development of national helicopter platforms for the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Project. Conducted under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the program includes a new agreement between Dearsan Shipyard — the main shipbuilder — and HeliPLAT AŞ (Helicopter Platform Certification Engineering Services Inc.). The contract covers engineering, testing, certification, and operational training services for helicopter platforms on the four OPVs currently under construction.

Under the project, HeliPLAT will provide end-to-end engineering and certification services to ensure compliance with national and international aviation standards. This includes platform design verification, load and lighting analysis, deck markings, approach envelopes, safety and emergency procedures, and operational training for pilots, mission teams, and technical personnel. Once complete, the OPVs will achieve top-tier helicopter operational capability for missions such as search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), maritime surveillance, and surface reconnaissance — all in accordance with international naval aviation standards.

HeliPLAT Chairman Fuat Akpınar emphasized that the agreement represents a milestone in Turkey’s defense industrial localization drive: “We aim to maximize the Turkish Navy’s operational capability with helicopter platforms that deliver high safety and performance, meeting global standards,” he said. Akpınar noted that as the only certified helicopter platform engineering company in Turkey and the region, HeliPLAT’s contribution extends beyond technical services — it signifies a strategic transformation toward technological independence.

The cooperation is expected to strengthen both operational power and export potential. With HeliPLAT’s comprehensive expertise in engineering, certification, and training, Turkey will reduce foreign dependency while creating a sustainable knowledge base applicable to both defense and civilian domains. The experience gained from the OPV project will also support future naval ship programs and civil applications such as port emergency landing areas and rooftop helipads, adding dual-use value to the country’s aerospace ecosystem.