Military procurement

Turkish government leaders are refraining from making a hasty "final-final" decision on a multibillion dollar contract that will build the country's first long-range air and anti-missile defense architecture.

"There are political, technical and financial parameters at play, and we don't want to make a wrong move," one senior procurement official said.

After a crucial meeting of Turkey's top procurement panel, the Defense Industry Executive Committee, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey would continue to negotiate with all three bidders in the disputed program.

In September 2013, Turkey selected China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corp. (CPMIEC) for a $3.44 billion offer. But after increased pressure from NATO allies, Ankara opened parallel talks with the second- and third-comers in the bidding — the European Eurosam, maker of the Aster 30, and the US Raytheon/Lockheed Martin, offering the Patriot system, respectively. Davutoglu said talks with all three bidders would cover an extended period of six months.

 Turkey Won't Rush Air Defense Contract