Procurement: March 23, 2000

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The Russians are desperately going after the Turkish arms market, since the Turks have one of the few massive weapons purchase programs going, and are offering unusual deals. The Russians want the Turkish combat helicopter buy so badly (since they need to get the Ka-50-2 into production for their own use) that they are willing to allow the Turks to build the aircraft under license for export to other countries in competition with Russia! Since the Turkish version will have Israeli avionics rather than Russian ones, it could be a tough export competitor. The Russians have also offered the Turks a production license for the S300 air defense system, and a chance to participate in the new S400 system. --Stephen V Cole