Israel
sells attack drones to Turkey
By METEHAN DEMIR
Jerusalem Post
August 11, 2002
Israel and Turkey are continuing to strengthen strategic ties and
are pursuing a number of defences projects. Turkish sources told
The Jerusalem Post over the weekend that the Turkish military is
expected to buy a total of 108 unmanned, combat air-vehicles, or
UCAVs, from Israel.
The UCAVs are used to bomb military and technological targets.
"I can say that 54 UCAVs have been already delivered to Turkey.
The next phase of the project is planned to end in two years,"
a key Turkish defense industry source said.
Defense sources said the project is separate from Turkey's primary
UAV tender, in which the Israel Aircraft Industries and American
General Atomic have been competing to sell Turkey nearly 90 UAVs
designed to carry out reconnaissance missions.
The remaining 54 UCAVs are to be delivered in two years.
Each UCAV is capable of delivering a considerable amount of ordnance,
including several types of bombs, all controlled by radio from the
ground. The cost of the project is expected to reach $76 million.
Meanwhile, Elbit Systems has won a tender to provide Turkish Aerospace
Industries with avionics system integration for Turkey's S-70 helicopter
modernization program, in a $14 million deal.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon announced last week after a meeting
with visiting Turkish Energy Minister Zeki Cakan that Israel will
sign an agreement to buy 50 million cubic meters of water annually
from Turkey over the next 20 years. Turkey reportedly put pressure
on Israel to make the deal by warning it would reduce military trade.
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