Syria: New Turkish T-129 ATAK helicopters were used in the west of Afrin

New Turkish-made all-weather attack helicopter, called the T-129 ATAK, were used during ongoing Operation Olive Branch in the northwestern Syrian region of Afrin to eliminate the risks posed by the PKK terrorist organization’s Syrian affiliate the Democratic Union Party (PYD), its armed Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG), and Daesh.

The YPG’s social media has released video footage showing a T-129 ATAK helicopter’s shooting at targets in the northwestern Syrian region of Afrin.

According to the Anadolu Agency, the domestic-made T-129 ATAK helicopter made its debut military run early Wednesday morning. The T-129 helicopters used the guided air-to-ground CIRIT rockets — also Turkish-made — to hit numerous terrorist targets meticulously laser-marked beforehand by the ground forces, a military source told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to media restrictions.

The Turkish military has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and “utmost importance” is being given to not harm any civilians.

The T-129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the combat-proven AgustaWestland A129CBT. The new helicopter incorporates a new system philosophy with a new engine – LHTEC CTS 800-4A – new avionics, sight systems and weapons, modified airframe, uprated drive train and a new tail rotor.

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