ANKARA - Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Wednesday that a 5.56 milimeter modern infantry rifle and a modern machine gun would be manufactured by domestic means for the first time.
"Once the prototypes are formed, mass production will start," Gonul said.
Announcing the decisions made during the Defense Industry Steering Board meeting, Gonul said they decided to start talks for signing contracts with the firm "Penguin" for Seahawk helicopters and Norwegian firm "Kongsberg" regarding the guided missile project.
Gonul also said they decided to cancel the present tender regarding the general helicopter procurement project which aims to meet the demands of Turkish Armed Forces and other governmental institutions.
He said they decided to adopt a production model based on long-term cooperation and start talks with Sikorsky and Agusta/Westland firms within this framework.
Upon a question, Gonul said studies were underway to purchase 10 cargo helicopters, however, the tender process did not start yet.
Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Defense Industry Undersecretary Murad Bayar, several other military executives and Defense Industry executives attended the meeting chaired by PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan.