Turkey increases military power

Turkey plans to spend $4.5 billion on the purchase and development of
arms in 2010, which is an increase of 10% compared with the sum spent
last year, NEWS.am cites Salamnews and Turkish media.

The Turkish military budget is equal to $11.3 billion (5.4% of the
total budget and 1.4% of the Turkish GDP).

This year Turkey will purchase 100 V-generation F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter Lightning IIs worth a total of $15 billion and 30 F-16 Block
50s, similar to the Israeli models, 6 up-to-date U-291 subs worth $3
billion, combat and transport helicopters worth $7 billion (the models
have not been specified).

Turkey plans to establish a high-range anti-missile system worth $2-4
billion, develop its own tank worth approximately the same sum. The
Turkish military plan purchasing frigates, corvettes, armoured
vehicles and drones.