Military takes control of defense procurement

Turkey's military command has taken the nation's defense acquisition process into its hands after Gen. Yasar Büyükanıt took over as chief of general staff in August, overriding positions of the civilian government and the procurement agency on two top programs, officials and Turkish and U.S. analysts said.

The outcome is a change in priorities from an extensive emphasis on technology transfer and local work contribution in joint programs with foreign partners toward swift availability of weapons systems.

At a time of worsening ties between Ankara and the European Union, the military's approach generally means a preference for U.S. systems over European solutions.

"The Turkish military visibly has had a more assertive policy on defense procurement recently," said one U.S. industry source familiar with Turkish programs.

Some in Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government and many at the Undersecretariat for the Defense Industry (SSM) may not be happy with the military's growing role in procurement policies, but Erdoğan is apparently seeking to avoid confrontation with the commanders on this matter at a time when Turkey is gearing up for two key elections next year, analysts said.

Parliament should elect a new president in the spring, and parliamentary elections are due in November. Erdoğan has not announced whether he will stand as a presidential candidate, but the military -- which frequently accuses the government of undermining secularism -- is believed to be opposing his election as head of state.

ÜMIT ENGİNSOY / ANKARA/WASHINGTON - Turkish Daily News, more....