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Turkey is interested in the S-400 long-range SAM system
Turkey’s Minister of Defence Fikri Işık told the Turkish broadcaster NTV that the Turkish government is in talks with Moscow for the S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system (TASS).
Mr. Işık told NTV that Ankara is “conducting talks with Russia … [and] Russia’s stance is positive.” Işık noted that Turkey will still be seeking to develop and produce its own long-range SAM system, echoing the head of the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) Dr. İsmail Demir from earlier.
Notes & Comments:
The S-400’s forthcoming customer base (in addition to Russia) will comprise of China and India, and with the S-400 being among Russia’s top big-ticket items, Moscow is certainly interested in expanding the SAM system’s customer base. However, it is unclear if a sale to Turkey would transpire, especially since there will likely be sensitivities (to technology leaks and interoperability risks) from both NATO and Russia.
Turkey could be interested in sourcing Russian expertise directly, irrespective of the S-400. In this respect, Russia could assist Turkey with the latter’s indigenous long-range SAM program, especially in areas such as propulsion and aerodynamics.
5 Comments
by Matthys Jacobs
Quite a good system.
The only issue is maintenance, interoperability to Turkey’s existing NATO systems and operator training, also protection against sabotage and ground based SEAD tactics.
During the integration phase, turkey should aim for plug and fight capability. They Germans have done well with this.
by nob hamid gul
Very Good step.
by bill
The Russians have historically produced two versions of each weapon i.e they usually export different version/downgraded from one used domestically. Russia requires funds for future plans thus they are seeking financially sound clients.
by mh1975
This is probably the most silly idea that turkey has come up with, turkey need the long range air defence system to stop Russian bullying it. Other than that it has no immediate need for a long range system as its air force is by far the best in the region (barring russia of course). The S400 will be useless against Russia so there is absolutely no need to buy this system, its a complete waste of money
by Dodo
Turkey fooled China before on HQ-9 SAM. Will it fool Russia again?