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USIA - Text: DOD on Turkey's Intent to Buy Weapons, Ammunition for Ships, 97-07-24
From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Home Page at <http://www.usia.gov>
TEXT: DOD ON TURKEY'S INTENT TO BUY WEAPONS, AMMUNITION FOR SHIPS
(Turkey outfitting three PERRY class frigates) (480)
Washington -- The U.S. Defense Department announced July 24 that Turkey has
made a request to purchase ammunition, weapons and other equipment for
three PERRY class frigates which are intended as replacements for other
aging naval vessels.
The sale will improve the military capabilities of Turkey "while furthering
weapon system standardization and interoperability," the announcement
said.
It noted that the three frigates "will enable Turkey to continue its naval
modernization program.... This sale will not adversely affect either the
military balance in the region or U.S. efforts to encourage a negotiated
settlement of the Cyprus question."
Following is the text of the announcement:
(Begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS
July 24, 1997
The Department of Defense has notified Congress that the Government of
Turkey has requested the purchase of 300 rounds of 40 mm high explosives
and 24,000 rounds of 20 mm ammunition, shipyard/port support services and
post transfer activities relating to "hot ship" and "cold ship" turnover of
three PERRY class frigates from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Government and
contractor technical and logistics personnel support services, personnel
training and training equipment, maintenance, repair and calibration
services for shipboard equipment, publications and technical data/drawings,
support equipment, spare and repair parts, and other elements of logistics
support necessary to prepare the three PERRY class frigates for transfer to
Turkey in a "Safe to Steam" condition with all combat systems in an
operational status. The estimated cost is $75 million.
This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security
objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of
Turkey, a major NATO ally, while furthering weapon system standardization
and interoperability.
Turkey needs the weapons and ammunition to load out three PERRY class
frigates. These frigates will enable Turkey to continue its naval
modernization program by supplementing eight operational KNOX class
frigates previously transferred in CY 93 and CY 94. The PERRY class
frigates are intended as replacements for other aging naval vessels which
will be retired. The weapons and equipment in this program are currently
operational in the Turkish navy and will be provided in accordance with,
and subject to the limitations on use and transfer provided for under the
Arms Export Control Act, as embodied in the terms of sale. Turkey will have
no difficulty absorbing these weapons and equipment into its naval
forces.
There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this sale.
The U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics in-country
personnel requirements will be determined following consultations with
representatives of the Turkish navy.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of
this sale.
(End text)
From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Home Page at http://www.usia.gov
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