Turkey helicopter decision for Paris

Sikorsky's Black Hawk could get the call for Turkey

Ankara has increased its cross-service requirement to 115 aircraft from the 78 previously called for. AgustaWestland and Sikorsky are competing for the deal, offering the AW149 and a T-70 derivative of the S-70 Black Hawk respectively.

Turkey's defence department says the selected helicopter will be produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries, with the company to undertake all manufacturing activities beyond the programme's 78th aircraft.

Launched in late 2007, the competition originally sought a maximum of 54 aircraft for the Turkish air force, army and navy, but this total was later expanded as a result of the nation's increased army aviation needs.