On May 11, 2017, Turkey tested its first domestically produced “Bora” short-range ballistic missile, according to Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik. Launched from Sinop, a coastal region on the Black Sea, the test was deemed a success, with Isik claiming that “Turkey has now reached a situation where it can build its own missile.” Roketsan, the manufacturer of the Bora, says that the missile can carry a payload of 450 kg and is accurate within 50 meters. Turkey’s push to develop these missiles domestically comes after several attempts to purchase missile defense systems from non-NATO countries as an alternative to purchasing systems from Turkey’s NATO allies. NATO condemned these potential purchases, causing Turkey to begin developing and producing missiles and defense systems domestically.