Turkish industry is poised to assemble the Israeli Rafael Popeye stand-off air-to-surface missile as part of an arrangement to equip the Turkish air force with the weapon.
Negotiations on the deal are now being completed, and will see Turkish McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms now being upgraded by Israel Aircraft Industries equipped with the television-guided missile.
The first 20 missiles will be delivered by Rafael. The additional missiles will be assembled in Turkey by local companies Roketsan and Mikes.
The Turkish air force is also evaluating the possible purchase of the lighter Popeye 2 for its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16s. If a decision is made to purchase the 1,130kg version of the missile, it will also involve final assembly in Turkey.
Source: Flight International
