Turkish company Canik is enhancing the capabilities of Mi-17 helicopters belonging to the Azerbaijani Air Force by integrating the 12.7×99 mm M3 FALCON heavy machine gun, using the modular FALCON FLEX 50 mounting system. The company says the systems will be delivered to Azerbaijan during 2026 after completing flight-fit and firing tests.
What was integrated?
The system combines the M3 FALCON machine gun, which uses 12.7×99 mm ammunition, with the FALCON FLEX 50 mount, designed to install the weapon at different points on the helicopter, including doors, windows, and the ramp area. The design allows the weapon’s position to be adjusted according to the helicopter type and its operational mission.
Canik gives the M3 version a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute and describes it as intended for use on rotary-wing aircraft, whether installed as a door-mounted side weapon or in underwing pods. This version differs from the M2 QCB, which has a rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute, and the M2F, whose rate of fire reaches 950 rounds per minute.
Tests on the Mi-17 platform
Project teams began by examining an Mi-17 helicopter held in the Turkish inventory, then conducted a preliminary study of the aircraft located in Azerbaijan. After completing the integration designs, Canik simulated the performance of the prototypes at its facilities in the city of Samsun before carrying out flight-fit and firing tests in Azerbaijan, which the company said were completed successfully.
Canik draws on previous experience integrating weapons onto airborne platforms, noting that it has carried out installation operations on AS532 Cougar, S-70, CH-47, Bell, and Seahawk helicopters. It also stated that qualification of the M2 QCB weapon was completed in 2022, alongside the launch of the M2F and M3 projects.
Why does this development matter?
The project is not limited to adding a machine gun to the helicopter; it also involves adapting the mounting point and the mechanical integration to multiple operating scenarios. In practical terms, this gives Mi-17 helicopters an option for providing close fire, supporting the protection of convoys and units, and carrying out security missions, while the company also presents the system as offering a defensive capability against unmanned aircraft within close engagement ranges.
However, the source does not specify the number of helicopters or systems Azerbaijan will receive, nor does it provide details on the precise delivery schedule, the numerical test results, or the system’s operational limitations. Therefore, the nature of the actual expansion within the Azerbaijani fleet remains unclear, despite the announcement that testing has been completed and delivery will begin during the year.
Expanding the defense presence in Azerbaijan
Canik intends to display its solutions at ADEX 2026, held in Baku from September 30 to October 2. Its portfolio there includes the Trakon Lite remote-controlled system, developed by Canik Robotics and integrated with 12.7 mm machine guns on DEARSAN’s unmanned SALVO boats used in the Azerbaijani inventory, in addition to the 30×113 mm VENOM LR low-recoil cannon for manned and unmanned land, naval, and aerial platforms.