For a while now, Turkey’s controversial missile deal with a sanctioned Chinese weapons firm has attracted much criticism from NATO and the US. Turkey has suggested extending the deadline for rival offers, and has openly challenged rival firms to place a better bid.Wow.
However, reports according to Turkey's Yeni Safak newspaper now suggest that the US, who has objected to the deal under the excuse that Chinese and NATO radar systems cannot be integrated and could possibly leave NATO systems vulnerable to viruses, is now claiming that Turkey’s joint project with Swedish firm Saab to produce ‘a national fighter jet’, saying Turkey’s efforts to produce its own fighter jet is a breach of the F-35 inclusive JSF program.
It seems that this program has reached a point where even the thought of a rising power attempting to develop its own defense aerospace industry is a threat to it.
The arrogance here is breathtaking. The Turks are a proud people. I'm surprised that they haven't told the office to pound sand....but maybe I shouldn't be. If history is a guide they'll bribe, offer increased incentives etc...to get them back on board.
