Facing yet another financial crisis, Turkey is re-examining its previously-announced arms purchases.

@ The purchase of 145 AH-1Z attack helicopters is expected to be reduced to 50. While an option for 95 more will be written into the new contract, it is anyone's guess if there will be money for them a few years from now. The Turkish Army regards this as its highest priority due to the force-multiplication factor.

@ The purchase of 1000 new main battle tanks will probably be cut to 250 or canceled entirely. In either case, cheaper programs to refit the existing M60 and Leopard-1 tanks will probably be accelerated.

@ The purchase of eight S-80E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters will certainly be delayed and might be canceled.

@ The purchase of eight AWACS planes will be delayed and probably cut to four aircraft.

@ The new pedestal-mounted anti-aircraft missile system developed by Aselsan will be delayed.

@ The Frigate-2000 program will certainly be delayed.

@ The program to buy UAVs will probably go ahead as it is a force multiplier.

@ The purchase of ten more maritime patrol aircraft will probably be delayed.

@ The purchase of stand-off jammers will probably be retained as a force multiplier. --Stephen V Cole