Combined NATO Operations With the Turkish Air Force: An Alliance Weakness.

摘要

In view of the Soviet Union's growing interest in the Middle East- Persian Gulf area, NATO's Southern Region, neglected for over 30 years, is rapidly becoming a chief area of concern, second only to the Central Region. And yet, its defensive capability is no match for the Soviet-Warsaw Pact threat. Turkey, although the most strategically important member in the Southern Flank, is the weakest. The USAF rotational fighter squadron at Incirlik can be utilized immediately and cost effectively, to both strengthen the Turkish Air Force and to develop a combined USAF-Turkish Air Force concept of operations that will enhance the deterrent posture of the entire Southern Region.