20.01.2005, 13:00
Turkey will open talks with Italy's Alenia Aeronautica SpA for the possible purchase of 10 maritime surveillance and patrol aircraft, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said Wednesday.
The purchase of the aircraft, with capability to operate day and night in all weather conditions, is part of an effort to boost the Turkish navy's surveillance capability.
Alenia offered to sell the 10 planes for US$219 million (euro168 million) and as added incentive to buy US$240 million (euro184 million) worth of materials and services from Turkey, Gonul said.
A Turkish defense industry official, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, said Alenia agreed to spend the money over a 10-year period.
The decision to enter talks with Alenia leaves rival bidders, Spain's Casa and Canada's Field Aviation out of the running for the time being.
It was not clear how long the negotiations would last and when a deal could be signed.
Gonul also said Turkey would launch a new tender to buy 50 attack helicopters next month.
A previous tender to buy attack helicopters was canceled last year after Turkey decided to seek greater involvement of domestic firms in joint ventures with foreign defense companies.
The purchase of the aircraft, with capability to operate day and night in all weather conditions, is part of an effort to boost the Turkish navy's surveillance capability.
Alenia offered to sell the 10 planes for US$219 million (euro168 million) and as added incentive to buy US$240 million (euro184 million) worth of materials and services from Turkey, Gonul said.
A Turkish defense industry official, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, said Alenia agreed to spend the money over a 10-year period.
The decision to enter talks with Alenia leaves rival bidders, Spain's Casa and Canada's Field Aviation out of the running for the time being.
It was not clear how long the negotiations would last and when a deal could be signed.
Gonul also said Turkey would launch a new tender to buy 50 attack helicopters next month.
A previous tender to buy attack helicopters was canceled last year after Turkey decided to seek greater involvement of domestic firms in joint ventures with foreign defense companies.