Turkey to manufacture tanks

Turkey intends to start production of its own tanks by 2017, the Timeturk newspaper quotes Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz as saying.

"Turkey has always purchased the tanks manufactured in other countries. Even existing tanks were upgraded abroad. We decided that Turkey is capable to manufacture its own tanks," Yilmaz said.

He said Turkey prepares the necessary infrastructure and trains specialists in this regard.
According to Turkish Deputy Defense Minister Murad Bayar, Otokar company won the tender for manufacturing the first Turkish tank.

Earlier, Turkey announced its intention to launch program of output of its own fighters. Some $20 billion has been allocated for implementation of this ambitious program.


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