Turkey Will Buy Additional Batch of S-400 Missiles from Russia

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Turkey has announced it will buy a second batch of the S-400 air defense missiles system made by Russia, UPI reported Wednesday. In an interview on Turkish TV this week, head of Turkey’s Defense Industries Administration Ismail Demir said the basic purchase agreement for a second batch was in place, while technical transportation issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were being resolved.

In a deal agreed in 2017, Russia gave Turkey a loan to partially finance the $2.5 billion purchase of the S-400 system of ground-to-air armaments. Turkey took delivery of its first “Triumf” missiles and missile launchers in July 2019.

According to Russia, the S-400 missile is designed to destroy aircraft and cruise and ballistic missiles. It comes with a radar detection system, ultra-long-range missiles and a command and control center that can coordinate battalions of troops. The system can be used against ground installations as well as reach targets up to 250 miles away or up to 18 miles high.

Turkey’s deal with Russia went ahead despite its causing tensions with the US: Washington threatened to impose sanctions and delay or cancel the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The US also wanted Turkey to cancel its deal with Russia in exchange for a chance to buy American Patriot systems instead. However, Turkey was not deterred.

In any event, Demir announced, Turkey is open to buying Eurosam and Patriot air defense systems as well: “We would like to continue to work on these projects if there are concrete proposals. The process of Patriots have not been matured,” he said.

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