The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform.

It was developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)[1] in partnership with Leonardo S.p.A.[2] The helicopter is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.

[10] The ATAK programme was begun to meet the Turkish Armed Forces' requirements for an attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter.

Turkey announced on 30 March 2007 that it had decided to negotiate with AgustaWestland to co-develop and produce 51 (with 40 options) attack helicopters based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta.

Test pilot Cassioli regained enough control to steer away from a residential area before crashing; the crew escaped without serious injuries.

[32] In 2013, media reports claimed that the first batch of helicopters delivered to the Turkish Army for trials did not meet the contracted requirements, specifically in terms of "vibration, balance, weight".

The higher weight may decrease the T129's service ceiling, which is detrimental for operating under hot and high conditions, like those found in Southeastern Anatolia.

The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries will adjust the contract in accordance, although experts expect weight reductions as development continues.

[1] The T129 is also equipped with a dedicated electro-optical FLIR system ASELFLIR-300T,[38] suitable for multi-purpose mission operations, it is manufactured by the Turkish company Aselsan.

[39][1] The rotorcraft is also equipped with advanced electronic warfare and countermeasure systems which increase survival capabilities in combat situations.

[1] The T129 can be used in a variety of roles, including anti-armour, armed reconnaissance, ground attack, escort, asymmetrical, fire support and short range anti-aircraft missions.

[43] When the Philippine Air Force (PAF) re-evaluated its capabilities and performance after the siege of Marawi in 2017 against ISIS-inspired terrorists, it found that the MD-520MG Defender and the newer AW-109E Power armed helicopters did not have sufficient firepower.

[51][45] TAI was able to offer six T129s for the approved budget of around Php 13.8 Billion to be paid through Multi Year Contractual Authorities.

[55][56] By December 2022, a total of four T129Bs and accompanying spare parts and logistical support had been accepted by the PAF; the last two helicopters were expected to be completed and delivered by 2023.

[59][60] According to a statement by the Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Temel Kotil during the Farnborough Airshow, TAI will provide six T129s to Nigeria under a recent contract.

In March 2019, ten Brazilian Army pilots received certificates for completing T129 test flights at Forte Ricardo Kirk, Taubaté.

[81][needs update] In January 2013, a media report stated that South Korea's attack helicopter competition included the T129 in the final three bidders with the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the Boeing AH-64 Apache.