Turkish aviation firm TAI inks deal with Sikorsky

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI, also known as TUSAS) has signed a cooperation agreement with U.S.-based Sikorsky Aircraft, the world's leading helicopter producer, the corporation said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The agreement ... between TAI and Sikorsky Aircraft Company was signed on Feb. 28 at TAI's plant," said the statement.

TUSAS said that the agreement foresees the manufacturing of structural components for various helicopter platforms.

Products worth $270 million will be delivered in the first phase of the project, which will last 10 years, it added.

Cooperation under the agreement, including an optional term, is planned to last through 2044, and the value of the project is planned to reach at least $500 million, TAI said.