Turkey’s Scientific and Technological Research Foundation TUBITAK has officially opened a bid for the in-country development of a high-power laser weapon system. Such weapons are currently only deployed by the United States military.

TUBITAK’s SAVTAG, the Turkish equivalent of “DARPA” of the US Department of Defense, is officially put in charge of supporting a high budget project, internally named the “1007 Program”, that intends to organize and support Turkey’s current hi-tech weapons manufacturers and accomplished universities around this ambitious goal. The laser is planned to be used primarily as a precision close in weapon system (CIWS) aboard Turkey’s next generation frigates, dubbed the TF-2000, to engage enemy ships, aircraft and oncoming missile threats. The project will last for 72 months and will be run under “top secret” status, requiring all participants to comply with SAVTAG’s safety and security regulations.

http://www.trdefence.com/2013/07/02/...op-laser-ciws/