Saudi Arabia signs major Gökbey helicopter joint production agreement

Thursday 12 February 2026 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

Saudi Arabia signs major Gökbey helicopter joint production agreement

Saudi Arabia has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding for the joint production of Türkiye’s Gökbey utility helicopter, marking the first overseas manufacturing agreement for the aircraft.

The deal was concluded during the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh and brings together Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment, and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI). The memorandum was signed on behalf of TAI by Gökhan Uçar, Vice President of the Presidency of Defense Industries and a board member of the company.

The agreement sets the foundation for long-term cooperation centered on advanced technology transfer and local industrial development. Saudi authorities will assess both military and civilian helicopter requirements, with production to be carried out domestically in partnership with a local manufacturer. The final scope and production scale will be determined according to operational demand.

Helicopter systems play a strategic role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, which aims to localize a significant portion of defense procurement and boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. The Gökbey helicopter, designed as a multi-role platform, can be configured for various missions including transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and security operations.

Industry observers view the agreement as a sign of deepening defense ties between Ankara and Riyadh. Beyond meeting domestic needs, helicopters produced under the joint venture could potentially be exported to neighboring markets, further strengthening regional defense cooperation.

The partnership reflects a broader trend of collaboration in aerospace and defense technology, with both countries seeking to expand industrial capacity, enhance technical expertise, and position themselves as competitive players in the global defense sector.