Abbasi becomes first Pakistani PM to fly a military helicopter

PM takes Turkish T129 ATAK for a test flight

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi became the first Pakistani premier to fly a military helicopter by taking the Turkish T129 for a test flight on Sunday.

Later, the PM told reporters that the  T129 ATAK was an "impressive and good machine".

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi tested Turkish Technology Attack Helicopter... We Love Pakistan... pic.twitter.com/ZzpTadlc1R

— Ali ŞAHİN (@AliSahin501) October 22, 2017

To a question about Pakistan's plan to purchase T-129 helicopters manufactured by the Turkish Aerospace Industries, Abbasi said, "Our army is evaluating the helicopter, and we are negotiating the contract and terms."

He added that the Turkish defence production industry was one of the best in the world and second to none.



He lauded the Turkish aviation industry as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the achievements in defence production.

Earlier, he inspected the helicopter and was briefed by Turkish aviation officials about the specifications and technical parameters of the combat chopper.

Turkish Aerospace Industries CEO Temel Kotil told APP that T-129 was a light weight attack helicopter equipped with missiles and guns. "It 's small and effective," he added.

He said Pakistan and Turkey had strong ties and were collaborating in the defence production area as well.