TURKISH CHOD STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 000619 SIPDIS STATE FOR P, EUR/SE AND PM; OSD FOR CAPT WILKINS; DSCA FOR LT. GEN. WALTERS AND LT. COL BUCHHOLTZ; EUCOM FOR J3, J4 AND J5. E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/04/2012 TAGS: MASS PREL TU SUBJECT: TURKISH CHOD STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF DEFENSE-RELATED PROJECTS IN MEETING WITH CHAIRMAN MYERS (U) Classified by Ambassador W. Robert Pearson. Reasons: 1.5 (B and D) ¶1. (C) During a January 20 meeting with visiting CJCS, Turkish General Staff (TGS) CHOD Gen. Ozkok said that TGS would concentrate on the ATAK helicopter and the tank modernization programs after the conclusion of the three "big" visits (i.e. CJCS, 1/23 UK CHOD and 1/24 SACEUR Gen. Jones). Ozkok said that Turkey attaches great importance to US weapons systems, noting that training and systems like computers are easier. However, Turkey cannot afford the current prices. Ozkok also said that Turkey could review its configurations and specifications. ¶2. (C) Ozkok said that while the debate between the "cheap but many" and the "expensive but few" continues in Turkey, at the moment there is a sentiment in Turkey that defensive weapons can defeat sophisticated offensive weapons. ¶3. (C) Ozkok said that he is also interested in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program and requested that Turkish companies be considered. ¶4. (U) This message has been cleared by the Joint Staff. PEARSON