Cablegate: Blue Lantern Pre-License End Use Check On

VZCZCXYZ0028
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAK #1293 1451431
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 251431Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2288
INFO RUEHSM/AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM 0240

UNCLAS ANKARA 001293

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR PM/DTCC -- BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC TU SW
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN PRE-LICENSE END USE CHECK ON
APPLICATION 05-050031469

REF: STATE 57650

1. We spoke with Roketsan General Director Huseyin Baysak and
Roketsan Procurement Director Nevzat Caglayan May 25
concerning the use of U.S. Munitions List infrared camera
systems in Roketsan's infrared laboratory. The Roketsan
officials ensured us that Roketsan facilities are secured by
electronic means and a guard force, and access is controlled
by a badge system. Foreign access to Roketsan facilities is
restricted and must be approved by the Ministry of National
Defense and other government agencies, and foreign visitors
are escorted while on the premises. The infrared lab itself,
they explained, is not yet built. They claimed that Roketsan
meets Turkish government and NATO industrial security
standards.

2. The Roketsan officials gave us assurances that non-Turkish
nationals will not have access to the U.S.-origin equipment.
They also said that U.S. officials could conduct a physical
inspection of the facilities with the permission of Turkish
government authorities, and recommended we request such a
visit at least a month in advance to ensure the necessary
clearances are obtained.

3. With regard to cooperation with China, Roketsan officials
said they had recently concluded a joint project with an
unnamed Chinese entity. Presently, Roketsan obtains parts,
components, and raw materials from China, which may
necessitate occasional visits by Chinese technicians.

4. The executives explained that Roketsan is closely
associated with the government, with the Turkish Armed Forces
Foundation controlling 55 percent of the company's shares.

5. Based on the above information and Roketsan's reputation
as a major defense firm tied to the Turkish government, we
believe that Roketsan has the capability to provide adequate
protections for subject equipment.

Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/

WILSON

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