The Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM) announced that the first of five helicopters, part of the second delivery of Chinooks, entered the inventory of the Turkish military on Saturday.

Six helicopters were delivered to Turkey in 2016 under a 2011 contract with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the purchase of 11 CH-47s.

The heavy-lift helicopters have two rotors and two motors, each having 4,800 horsepower. With a range that can increase to 1,100 kilometers with the help of fuel tanks, the helicopters can fly safely even in conditions of zero visibility, according to Turkish Minute.

The helicopters, which can carry up to 10 tons, can be used in both military and civilian operations.

The shipment comes after the US Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which prohibits the delivery of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Turkey until the Pentagon issues a report on the issue in 90 days.

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