Turkey Will Speak to Any Bidders, Including Russia, on Missile System: Official


TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Turkey will speak with all interested parties, including Russia, over its plans to develop a long-range missile defense system, a top defense official said on Tuesday.

NATO member Turkey last year cancelled a $3.4 billion tender for such a system, after it had been provisionally awarded to China, a move that had stirred concern from the United States and other Western allies.

Ismail Demir, Turkey's undersecretary for defense industries, told a news conference in Ankara that Turkey was willing to speak any interested parties, including Russia and previous bidders, according to Reuters. 

He also said Turkey was in the final stages of evaluating a renewed offer from automotive manufacturer Otokar for its Altay tank project.