The army has, on occasion, intervened in Turkish politics (the last time was the 1980 military coup), and its leaders often determine the shape of governments. With 18 months' service compulsory for all males at age 20, Turkey is a sizeable military power. However, defense spending is slightly below average. Thanks to NATO membership, Turkey has access to Western arms suppliers. The air force flies F-16 fighters, the navy has German-made frigates, and the army is supplied with modern battle tanks. Over 20,000 troops have been deployed to fight Kurdish separatists based in northern Iraq and in Turkey's own southeastern provinces.
