By Baris Gundogan
BRUSSELS (AA) - A new letter of intent signed by Turkey, Italy, and France seeks to develop a new missile defense system, said Turkey’s defense minister on Thursday in Brussels.
Addressing a meeting of NATO defense ministers, Nurettin Canikli said projects covered under the letter could help cooperating countries develop “top models” for defending against lone missiles, as well as address Turkey’s current gaps in missile defense.
He added that Turkey’s future use of the Russian S-400 missile defense system -- which Turkey has committed to buy -- would also be covered.
Turkey’s NATO allies have questioned the S-400 purchase and suggested it would be incompatible with alliance systems.
Turkey on Wednesday signed a letter of intent with France and Italy aiming to strengthen cooperation on joint defense projects.
On Turkey's fight against terrorism, Canikli also said a total of 2,304 PKK terrorists have been “neutralized” by Turkish forces since Jan. 10, 2017.