US MULLING SALE OF AIRCRAFTS TO TURKEY, DEFENSE AGENCY SAYS
Tert.am
12:15 29.10.11
The Obama administration may transfer combat helicopters from existing
Marine inventory to Turkey, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
said Friday.
According to CNN, the DSCA has formally notified Congress of a
possible sale of AH-1W Super Cobra Attack helicopters to Turkey. The
notification was required under the US Arms Export Control Act.
Turkey's ongoing fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK,
is one of the reasons for the proposed sale, a State Department
official told CNN.
The helicopters would "improve Turkey's capability for self defense,
modernization, regional security and inter-operability with US and
other NATO members," the DSCA said in a press release.
"AH-1W helicopters are already in the Turkish Land Forces Command
inventory and will further enhance Turkey's ground defense
capabilities."
The sale, with an estimated cost of $111 million, would also include
associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
If the sale goes forward, the helicopters would not alter the basic
military balance in the region, or US efforts to encourage a negotiated
settlement between Turkey and Cyprus, the DSCA said.
It comes after 24 Turkish soldiers were killed and 18 injured during
an attack by PKK forces in southeastern Turkey last week. It was the
worst assault by the PKK on Turkish forces in years.
Tert.am
12:15 29.10.11
The Obama administration may transfer combat helicopters from existing
Marine inventory to Turkey, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
said Friday.
According to CNN, the DSCA has formally notified Congress of a
possible sale of AH-1W Super Cobra Attack helicopters to Turkey. The
notification was required under the US Arms Export Control Act.
Turkey's ongoing fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK,
is one of the reasons for the proposed sale, a State Department
official told CNN.
The helicopters would "improve Turkey's capability for self defense,
modernization, regional security and inter-operability with US and
other NATO members," the DSCA said in a press release.
"AH-1W helicopters are already in the Turkish Land Forces Command
inventory and will further enhance Turkey's ground defense
capabilities."
The sale, with an estimated cost of $111 million, would also include
associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
If the sale goes forward, the helicopters would not alter the basic
military balance in the region, or US efforts to encourage a negotiated
settlement between Turkey and Cyprus, the DSCA said.
It comes after 24 Turkish soldiers were killed and 18 injured during
an attack by PKK forces in southeastern Turkey last week. It was the
worst assault by the PKK on Turkish forces in years.