Procurement: May 23, 2004

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Turkey has cancelled a weapons purchasing program worth $11 billion (for 145 attack helicopters, 1,000 tanks and some UAVs) and is instead going to try and manufacture the needed equipment itself. This would mean buying manufacturing equipment, and technology licenses for items it cannot design itself. This plan was also thought to be a snub to Israel and the United States, who were in the lead to supply most of the $11 billion worth of equipment. At the same time, it is thought that manufacturing technology and licenses would be bought from European firms. This strategy is believed to enhance Turkeys chances of being allowed to join the European Union, and improve ties with Arab countries.