Pakistani defence Magazine Quwa brought future of T-129 deal with Pakistan to discussion table. Magazine claims that “current tensions between Ankara and Washington have cast doubt on whether Turkish Aerospace will be able to bring Pakistan’s order for 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters to fruition. “

Magazine discuss that “the concern stems from the fact that the T129’s engine – i.e. the Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC) CTS800 turboshaft engine – is a restricted item governed under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR).” It indicates that products under ITAR require the US Department of State’s permission for third-party sales. It reminds that Turkey should not have a problem exporting the CTS800 to Pakistan as Pakistan had already been cleared for other ITAR-restricted goods, such as the General Electric T700-GE-401C of the AH-1Z Viper however Turkey’s relation with US is tense. 

Quwa reminds Turkey’s decision to acquire Russian S-400 air defence system from Russia and that US is angry about it and underlines that Pakistan has to replace its aging AH-1F/S Cobra attack helicopters.

Magazine states that China and Russia do provide solution but points out an alternative; South African company Denel’s product Rooivalk.