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Turkey’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed, in a short statement published through its official social-media accounts, that the first crew assigned to operate the new TAI T625 GÖKBEY helicopters has successfully completed its training. This represents a significant milestone ahead of the first aircraft entering service with the Air Force. The ministry stated that the platform will join the service in October 2026.
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Regarding the development, the Turkish Ministry of Defence said: “Another historic step for our national aviation! The first crew for our national T-625 GÖKBEY utility helicopter, which will enter the inventory of the Air Force Command in October 2026, has successfully completed its training. Our personnel, who will integrate this superior platform-the product of Turkish engineering-into the skies in the most effective manner, have proudly passed the demanding familiarisation process. Our strength is in the skies, our capabilities are in the nation!”
TAI T625 GÖKBEY roles and capacity
The new T625 GÖKBEY is a medium helicopter designed for a broad range of tasks, including personnel transport, search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation and pilot training. The aircraft accommodates a crew of two pilots and up to 12 passengers, while also featuring a cargo compartment of around 0.99 cubic metres (35 cubic feet).
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Dimensions, range and performance
Each helicopter measures 15.87 metres in length, including its rotor blades, while the main rotor has a diameter of 13.2 metres. Within these dimensions, the helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 6,050 kilograms.
In terms of endurance, the aircraft can remain airborne for up to five hours when fitted with external fuel tanks. Together with the internal tank, these provide a total fuel capacity of 1,300 kilograms. At full capacity, the T625 GÖKBEY can cover up to 948 kilometres, and its maximum cruising speed is approximately 297 km/h.
Future Turkish armed forces integration
Beyond joining the Air Force and Army fleets, the platform may also enter service with the Turkish Navy, using newly developed indigenous technologies to expand beyond its original roles. As we reported in May this year, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) demonstrated the possibility of equipping the helicopters with a locally developed dipping sonar, which would support mine-clearance operations and the search for enemy tactical diver teams.
While the Turkish Ministry of Defence has yet to provide further details on the delivery timetable for equipping the country’s various armed services, at least 57 T625 GÖKBEY helicopters are expected to be produced. Of these, 15 would be allocated to the Turkish Navy, 11 to the Air Force and 8 to the Turkish Army. The remaining aircraft are also expected to be distributed between the Coast Guard and the Gendarmerie.
Image credits – Turkish Ministry of Defence
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