The missile defense system “will be integrated into the internal defense system in Turkey and will not be integrated with NATO,” Yilmaz was quoted as saying by the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.
In September 2013, the Chinese firm CPMIEC, sanctioned by Washington for alleged violations of the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act, won a tender to deliver Turkey`s planned $3.4 missile defense system. Rival offers from US, Russian and European companies were rejected.
Turkey`s choice to cooperate with the Chinese firm was followed by NATO pressure, with the United States claiming that the Turkish-Chinese project would not be compatible with NATO`s existing defense air structure. Turkey first extended its tender deadline to reconsider the deal, but despite the alliance`s warning decided to choose CPMIEC as a partner.
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