Azerbaijan’s Mi-17 military helicopters will be equipped with the FALCON FLEX 50 turret system developed by Turkish defense company Canik for M3 heavy machine guns using 12.7×99 mm ammunition.

The system was developed specifically for the needs of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, according to Anadolu Agency.

Only two companies in the world are reportedly developing turret systems of this type, which can provide a firing rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute.

The prototype of the FALCON FLEX 50 developed for Azerbaijan was tested in Samsun, Türkiye, before undergoing successful trials in Azerbaijan.

A batch of FALCON FLEX 50 systems is expected to be delivered to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces later this year. The systems are designed to enhance helicopter protection, including against drones.

Canik’s latest defense technologies will also be showcased at the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2026), scheduled to take place at the Baku Expo Center from September 30 to October 2.