Leaders from the Middle East, Central Asia and the Far East are showing a lot of interest in Turkey's defense companies. For example, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, during his recent visit to Ankara, personally participated in a test flight of a T-129 attack helicopter manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Pakistan is thinking of spending $1.5 billion to replace its worn-out Bell AH-1F and AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters with 30 T-129s from Turkey.
Technology transfer from TAI to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) would allow for joint production. If Pakistan approves the deal, and it is expected to by July, this will be the biggest single sale made by the Turkish defense industry. Also, Pakistan is closely interested in Hurkus trainer aircraft, also manufactured by TAI, and Anka drones.
