PM Erdogan says first Turkish satellite to be launched in 2012

The satellite will ease Turkey's reliance on U.S. intelligence in its operations against the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which launches attacks on Turkey from bases in northern Iraq.

"We will launch the Gokturk intelligence satellite in 2012," Erdogan told members of his party in comments televised live.

Turkey has used Washington's intelligence to boost the effectiveness of its operations against the PKK in mountainous Iraqi Kurdistan, targeting the guerrilla's headquarters and training facilities in cross-border raids.

The Gokturk satellite is being developed by Turkish defence contractor Aselsan and Finmeccanica's unit Telespazio.

The satellite, expected to cost around 250 million euros ($344 million), will provide high resolution imagery to trace movement of objects less than one square metre.

The satellite will also be used to track down narcotics and human trafficking across Turkish territory.


/World Bulletin/