Turkey’s cooperation with Sikorsky has taken a significant leap forward as part of the Utility Helicopter Program carried out in partnership with the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM). Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Fikri Işık announced that a total of 109 Black Hawk helicopters will be manufactured in Turkey under Sikorsky’s license, creating major opportunities for domestic industry participation and technology development.

During his visit to the United States, Minister Işık toured Sikorsky’s production facilities and received briefings from company officials about current projects and ongoing collaboration with Turkey. Highlighting that Sikorsky is now part of the Lockheed Martin group, Işık emphasized that the company has established one of its strongest international cooperation programs with Turkey. The helicopters to be produced will meet the needs of multiple Turkish entities, including the Land Forces, Air Force, Special Forces Command, Gendarmerie General Command, General Directorate of Security and the General Directorate of Forestry.

The program’s main contractor is Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), while Sikorsky serves as the primary subcontractor. Key Turkish subcontractors include ASELSAN, TEI and ALP Aviation. According to Minister Işık, this structure not only boosts national production capabilities but also paves the way for Turkish companies to gain a more permanent role in the global aerospace supply chain.

A major milestone highlighted by Işık is Sikorsky’s commitment—made for the first time in an international program—to utilize Turkish industrial capabilities in future global sales. The company will coordinate meetings between original equipment manufacturers and Turkish suppliers for components not covered by Sikorsky’s own intellectual property rights. This approach is expected to broaden industrial participation beyond major Turkish firms like TUSAŞ, ASELSAN, TEI and ALP Aviation, enabling many other domestic companies to secure work packages and enter Sikorsky’s and Lockheed Martin’s worldwide supply chain.

Işık expressed his satisfaction with the strong industrial collaboration, noting that some of the most critical components of Sikorsky helicopters are already being produced in Ankara and Eskişehir. He stated that this level of involvement is a source of pride and reflects Turkey’s rising capacity in high-precision aerospace manufacturing. “We want even more Turkish companies to supply parts and systems to them,” he added.

The Utility Helicopter Program not only strengthens Turkey’s helicopter fleet but also enhances the technological depth, export potential and global integration of the Turkish aerospace industry. With increased local involvement and expanded industrial partnerships, the program stands as a strategic project shaping the future of Turkey’s defense aviation capabilities.