Sunday, September 13, 2009

DTN News: Patriot Missiles Offered To Turkey In $7.8 Billion Arms Deal

DTN News: Patriot Missiles Offered To Turkey In $7.8 Billion Arms Deal *Source: DTN News / Defense News (Click here for link) (NSI News Source Info) BETHESDA, Maryland - September 13, 2009: The Pentagon has notified Congress it plans to sell Turkey its most advanced version of the Patriot air-defense missile in an arms package worth as much as $7.8 billion, according to a press release. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the deal for nearly 290 Patriot missiles includes 72 PAC-3 models along with communications gear needed to establish an integrated air- defense system for more than a dozen command posts, according to the release dated Sept. 9 and posted to its Web site yesterday. Congress has 30 days to veto the agreement before it’s considered approved. Lockheed Martin Corp., based in Bethesda, Maryland, and Waltham, Massachusetts-based Raytheon Co. would then enter into talks for a potential contract with Turkey. “Turkey will use the PAC-3 missiles to improve its missile defense capability, strengthen its homeland defense, and deter regional threats,” the agency said in the statement. Turkey has not previously acquired PAC-3 missiles, “but will be able to absorb and effectively utilize these missiles,” it said. The PAC-3, introduced in 2001, is the most advanced model of the Patriot missile. It is more effective than prior versions because it destroys incoming missiles by collision. Earlier Patriots exploded in the path of an enemy weapon. The U.S. has already sold the missile to the Netherlands, Germany and Japan. Lockheed Martin also received a $774 million contract in December to sell PAC-3s to the United Arab Emirates and U.S. Army. Boeing Co. is also a subcontractor.

No comments: