Turkey will speak to any bidders, including Russia, on missile system: Official

ANKARA - Reuters

Turkey will speak with all interested parties, including Russia, over its plans to develop a long-range missile defense system, a top defense official said on Nov. 8.

NATO member Turkey last year cancelled a $3.4 billion tender for such a system, after it had been provisionally awarded to China, a move that had stirred concern from the United States and other Western allies.

İsmail Demir, Turkey’s undersecretary for defense industries, told a news conference in Ankara that Turkey was willing to speak any interested parties, including Russia and previous bidders.

He also said Turkey was in the final stages of evaluating a renewed offer from automotive manufacturer Otokar for its Altay tank project.