Boeing delivers first B-737 AEW&C to Turkey

Boeing has silently delivered the first airborne early-warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to Turkey under a program that was launched more than a decade ago.
The defense procurement agency, the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries (SSM), and the Turkish Air Force simultaneously announced Jan. 31 that the AEW&C aircraft had arrived in Turkey for acceptance tests. The tests are to be followed by an inauguration ceremony Feb. 21 at the 3rd Main Jet Base Command in Konya.
Last year, Turkey Defense Minister said Turkey would impose sanctions on Boeing for the delays.
Under a 2003, contract Boeing was to develop and deliver four AEW&C aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by 2008.
Recent reports said Turkey demanded Boeing pay $600 million in penalties, but defense officials denied that.
There are disagreements over whether the delays stemmed entirely from the company’s shortcomings or whether they were due to extra features that Ankara demanded be installed on the aircraft.
Turkey officials said that Boeing only had to pay for the delays considered to be the company’s fault.
hurriyetdailynews