Turkey to buy advanced U.S. munitions
WASHINGTON, May 2 (UPI) -- The Bush administration has asked Congress to allow the sale of 50 SLAM-ER rockets to Turkey.
Boeing's AGM-84H SLAM-ER, or Stand-off Land Attack Missile - Expanded Response, is one of the most advanced weapons in the U.S. arsenal. Development of the AGM-84H SLAM-ER began in 1994 and the first flight test took place three years later. In 1998 Boeing delivered the first production rockets to the Navy, but IOC (Initial Operational capability) was only reached in March 2000.
The Hellenic Resources Network reported on May 1 the Pentagon approved the sale, with a decision by Congress expected within the next two weeks. If the sale is approved as expected, the missiles will cost Turkey $162 million.
The Pentagon issued a statement announcing its approval of Turkey's intention to buy missiles, writing, "The Turkish Air Force, which has well-developed technological capabilities, could integrate and use these rocket systems."
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