The controversy surrounding NATO member Turkey’s decision to opt for a Chinese missile defense system continues to grow as NATO and Washington make no secret of their annoyance over the choice. For supporters of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, however, the debate has turned into an issue of independence and national honor. Meanwhile defense analysts say the country’s security needs are being compromised, amid all the rhetoric, at a time when threats to national security are increasing.

Turkey said in September it would start talks with the China Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation, or CPMIEC, for the FD-2000 missile defense system. The deal is said to be valued at $3.4 billion. CPMIEC is currently subject to US sanctions for supplying military technology to Iran, North Korea and Syria.

Other contenders for the Turkish tender included the US companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, which manufacture the Patriot missile; the French and Italian joint venture Eurosam, which manufactures the SAMP/T Aster 30 missile; and Russia's Rosoboronexport, which manufactures the S-400 missile.

Turkey’s preference for the Chinese system sent shock waves through Western defense industry circles and governments. Media speculated whether this showed Ankara was drifting away from the West. “Has Turkey, a member of NATO for 61 years, parted company with the West?” the Financial Times asked on Oct 20.