Turkey rejects claims of delay in battle tank project

By Gokhan Ergocun

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish Defense Industries’ president on Friday rejected claims that the project to manufacture indigenous battle tank -- Altay -- will be delayed.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency’s Finance Desk, Ismail Demir said: “Negotiations for the contract have concluded and we can sign it even tomorrow.”

He said Altay’s production could be started after 18 months after signing of the contract.

Demir also said Turkey also negotiated with some countries and companies for the engines of national combat aircraft's TF-X project.

"We want to be a local company at the core of the project," he noted.