U.S. mans new radar defense site in TurkeyFebruary 27, 2012 - 21:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - American forces are now manning a new radar defense site in Turkey that could help defend Europe from a potential Iranian ballistic missile attack, the U.S. Army's commander in Europe said. "We have the forces in place ... at a radar site in southern Turkey," Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling said in an interview at Montenegro's main military airport in its capital, Today’s Zaman reported. It is the first time a senior US commander has confirmed reports that the NATO defense shield radar - which has caused tensions between Turkey and its Muslim neighbor Iran - has been operational in the past few weeks. The radar is a key element in a planned ballistic missile defense system that also would put other land- and sea-based radars and anti-missile interceptors in several European locations over the next decade. "I can only speak for the ground base air defense units," Hertling said. "But I will tell you that we make constant coordination (with the US Navy and Air Force), and I think we are well on track to conduct missile defense." Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |