C4Defence reveals how Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) will work on getting export license for T-129 Atak helicopter engines will be exported to Pakistan. Pakistan has recently inked a deal with TUSAS to acquire 30 T-129 Atak Helicopter.

The IP rights of the helicopter engine are in the hands of LHTEC, a joint venture between the US firm Honeywell and the UK firm Rolls-Royce.

C4Defence has learned that prior applying for an official permission there were other steps to be passed. The “adviser opinion” process has been successfully completed. The “Advice Opinion” has been made available. This means US Government may bring the sale of such goods in agenda during official discussions. It means they can say they like the product. Such phrases indicate that US is aware of negotiations and supports it.

For a commercial product, it is necessary to obtain export licenses from the US Trade Secretary, for military ones from Pentagon. Engine that Turkey needs to sell to Pakistan requires Pentagon’s export licence. According to the negotiations between Turkey and Pakistan, the decision should be taken until November.