Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced that final agreement had been reached on the license manufacture of 109 Sikorsky S-70 helicopters. The deal had been under negotiation for five years, ever since the Turkish government expressed preference for the American machine over the AgustaWestland AW149. 

TAI will be prime contractor to the Turkish defense ministry for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Program (TUHP), with Sikorsky as major subcontractor. Turkish Engine Industries (TEI) will build the T700 engines under license from GE Aviation; Aselsan will develop and integrate basic avionics, and co-develop an enhanced digital cockpit with Sikorsky; Alp Aviation will produce landing gears, gearboxes and dynamic components. 

The T-70 Blackhawks will be delivered over the next 10 years to the Turkish Army, Air Force, Special Forces, Gendarmes, Police and Forestry Department. The program value is $3.5 billion.