After the news about Turkey purchasing antimissile "patriot" missiles from the USA the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) made an official statement.
According to the statement, the tender process regarding the "Long-Range Regional Air and Missile Defense System Project" started on 8 April this year. The beginning of the tender process was in line with the 10-year-framework of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), launched for the antimissile system on 30 June 2006. The Ministry made calls for the tender to four companies: Cpmiec form China, Rosoboronexport from Russia and Raytheon and Lockheed Martin from the USA. An invitation letter has also been sent to the USA government.
"Tender obligation: companies need government's permission"
The news was revealed when the USA Ministry of Defense asked for permission from the USA Senate to sell missiles to Turkey.
The MSB explained the conditions for the tender as below:
"It is an obligation in the invitation file for an offer that the candidate companies/organizations obtain permission from their governments before they can submit an offer. The press release issued by the US Defense Ministry on 9 September is regarding the application for obtaining the approval of the US Congress for the offer to be submitted".
Defense Industry Executive Committee will make final decision
As declared by the MSB, the offers will be evaluated by the Offer Evaluation Committee installed by the Defense Ministry Undersecretariat. This way the condition of a "competitive environment" is fulfilled. The final decision will be made by the Defense Industry Executive Committee.
Missile system for 7.8 billion dollar
According to the news, the costs for the missile system add up to 7.8 billion dollars. This amount is the equivalent of 58 percent of Turkey's defense budget allocated for 2010. (TK/VK)
