Homegrown Turkish firefighting helicopter enters service in Muğla
The firefighting helicopter "Nefes," produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), started operations in Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, June 16, 2023. (AA Photo)


The firefighting helicopter named "Nefes" (which means "Breath" in Turkish) acquired by the Turkish Forestry Directorate from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is prepared to fulfill its duty of safeguarding the nation's forests in the country’s southwestern Muğla province.

The cruising speed of the helicopter, which was named by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, can reach 222 kph (138 mph) with a maximum speed of up to 358 kph (222 mph).

A general view of the firefighting helicopter "Nefes" above the forests of Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, June 16, 2023. (AA Photo)
A general view of the firefighting helicopter "Nefes," Muğla, southwestern Türkiye, June 16, 2023. (AA Photo)

The Nefes is able to drop up to 2.5 tons of water at a time and is equipped to take part in search-and-rescue efforts besides firefighting.

Nefes is the first-ever firefighting helicopter in the inventory of the Forestry Directorate.

The inventory of the Forestry Directorate was bolstered with an additional fleet, including a forest firefighting helicopter and planes, in a ceremony held in the capital Ankara at the beginning of May.