DEFENCE CONTRACTS between Israel and Turkey, potentially worth up to $1 billion, are being jeopardised by the recent election of a Muslim Government in Turkey and its rapprochement with Iran.
A recent planned visit of David Ivry, director-general of the Israeli defence ministry to Turkey, was postponed at the last minute. The main aim of the visit had been to sign a co-operation agreement between the two defence industries.
Israel is putting the final financial touches to a $600 million deal to upgrade Turkish air force McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms. The Rafael Popeye stand-off missile has also been selected by the Turks in a deal initially worth $50 million. A Northrop F-5 upgrade and the supply of the Rafael Python 4 infra-red-guided missiles were also being discussed.
Co-operation between the two sides had recently improved to the extent that the Israeli air force was undertaking training in Turkish airspace. The Israelis are now having second thoughts about the transfer of advanced weapons to Turkey following the Turkish Government's attempts to establish closer ties with Iran. Israel has also elected a right-wing Government.
The renewed ties between Turkey and Iran are causing serious concerns in Tel Aviv. "So far, we have known that Turkey was the final destination of our products. From now on, this is questionable," says one defence-industry source.
The Turkish defence forces, and particularly the air force, favour tightening ties with Israel. The future of this relationship, however is now in considerable doubt.
Source: Flight International
