Turkey's undersecretariat for defence industries (SSM) has selected the Gulfstream G550 for its command and control aircraft project, and plans to buy two of the modified business jets.
Ankara's selection follows a two-year process launched in December 2006, during which it also assessed a solution based on an Airbus A319 Corporate Jet.
According to the SSM's plan, the new G550s will be delivered in 2011 as replacements for two Gulfstream GIVs which have been in use with the Turkish air force since 1989. Further details of the industry team selected to provide the new system have yet to be released.
Turkish Airlines will take delivery next March of one G550 for VIP use, with the aircraft to be used to transport the nation's prime minister.
Source: Flight International
