Türkiye's Canik upgrades Azerbaijan’s Mi-17 helicopters

Canik, one of the representatives of the Turkish defense industry on the international stage, is enhancing the capabilities of the Azerbaijani Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopters against current threats through the integration of a new mount and weapon system.

Canik is expanding its capabilities in weapon-platform integration with the FALCON FLEX 50, developed for the use of the 12.7x99 mm M3 heavy machine gun on helicopter platforms, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

As the first private-sector company in Türkiye to carry out weapon integration on aircraft, Canik’s integration investments date back to before the production of long-barreled weapons was opened to the private sector.

The company’s first integrations involved installing M134 weapon systems on the windows of AS532 Cougar helicopters. Subsequently, it carried out various integrations on S-70, CH-47, Bell and Seahawk helicopters, not only for Türkiye but also for several other air forces.

In 2022, the M2 QCB weapon was qualified, while the M2F and M3 projects were launched. The aim was to expand the use of the widely deployed 12.7 mm caliber, which has proven its effectiveness over six decades.

The M2 QCB, with a rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute, is used primarily by infantry and on land and naval platforms. The M2F, with a rate of fire of 950 rounds per minute, was developed for suppressive fire and to meet border security and short-range air defense requirements. The M3, with a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute and manufactured by only two producers worldwide, including Canik, was specifically developed for integration into the doors or underwing pods of rotary-wing aircraft. When integrated as a door-mounted machine gun on helicopters, the M3 provides an effective defense solution against drones.

Integration experience helped speed up the project

The M3 integration on Azerbaijan’s Mi-17 helicopters emerged as a result of this approach.

To carry out the project as quickly and effectively as possible, the Mi-17 platform in Türkiye’s inventory was first examined. Teams then conducted the necessary preliminary inspections in Azerbaijan and began designing the integration of the open-bolt 12.7x99 mm M3 FALCON heavy machine gun together with the FALCON FLEX 50 mount, specifically developed for aircraft.

After the designs were completed, the performance of the first prototypes was simulated at Canik’s facilities in Samsun. Thanks to the company’s experience in aircraft integration, flight-worthiness tests were successfully completed in Azerbaijan within a short period, including live-fire testing.

The systems scheduled to be delivered to the Azerbaijani Air Force this year will provide the helicopters with enhanced capabilities against current threats.

System expands helicopter operational capabilities

FALCON FLEX 50 is a modular weapon-mount system designed to allow the M3 FALCON heavy machine gun to be integrated at different points on helicopters.

The system is designed for use in helicopter door, window and ramp areas, while offering an infrastructure adaptable to different platforms and mission configurations. This allows the 12.7 mm heavy machine gun to be positioned at different points depending on the aircraft’s operational requirements.

The core weapon solution of the FALCON FLEX 50 is the CANiK M3 FALCON. Using 12.7x99 mm ammunition, the M3 FALCON is being developed as a high-rate-of-fire heavy machine gun for use on land, naval and air platforms.

The approach goes beyond simply mounting a machine gun on a helicopter. FALCON FLEX 50 serves as a complementary system that expands the M3 FALCON’s operational role by enabling its positioning on the platform, mechanical integration and adaptation to different mission scenarios.

Such systems enable the configuration of weapons for missions including close-range fire support, convoy and troop protection, security operations and various other operational tasks.

New opportunities at ADEX 2026

Canik will showcase its integrated solutions at the 6th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2026), one of the region’s most prominent defense events, taking place at the Baku Expo Center from September 30 to October 2, 2026.

Having begun its delivery program with pistols, Canik has expanded into the integration of 12.7x99 mm heavy machine guns on various land, naval and air platforms. The company is also highlighting solutions for unmanned surface vessels (USVs), which are regarded as important force multipliers on the modern battlefield.

The Trakon Lite remote-controlled weapon system, developed by Canik company Canik Robotics and integrated with Canik’s 12.7x99 mm heavy machine guns, is already in active service in Azerbaijan’s inventory aboard SALVO USVs manufactured by DEARSAN.

Canik’s near-term focus in Azerbaijan also includes medium-caliber systems. The flagship of the company’s medium-caliber cannon family, the VENOM LR 30x113 mm low-recoil cannon, is designed to increase the firepower of manned and unmanned land, naval and air platforms while maintaining a lightweight and compact configuration.

Photo: Chat GPT