Russian air defense system s-400, concerning the acquisition of which Turkey is, as she said, approached the final point joined the list of controversial issues in Turkish-American relations. The US, which had previously expressed disapproval of the purchase of these systems have increased their protest intonation. The head of the joint chiefs of staff, General Dunford (Dunford) said: “If Turkey will buy these systems, it will be a source of concern for us, but they are not bought.”
Problems in the relations between Turkey and the United States, such as the results FETÖ leader Fethullah Gulen (Fethullah Gülen), the case of Turkish businessman of Iranian origin Zarrabi (Zarrab), U.S. support for the people’s protection Units (YPG) in Northern Syria, but added a new one. The US administration previously expressed dissatisfaction with Turkey’s plans to purchase air defense systems from Russia, a few increased tone and voiced concern about the negotiations on C-400, which have long continued between Turkey and Russia. The Chairman of the Committee of chiefs of staffs of armed forces of the United States Joseph Dunford (Joseph Dunford), who spoke at a security forum in aspen (Colorado), said: “the media was the message, which was not true. Turkey did not buy the air defense system s-400 from Russia. If they do, it will be a source of concern for us. But they are not bought.”
The head of the Russian company for the export of military products “Rosoboronexport” Alexander Mikheyev said that the deal for the missiles the s-400, Turkey agreed, and expressed the belief that the contract will be implemented. And the Minister of national defence of Turkey Fikri Işık (Fikri Işık) said that in negotiating the purchase of s-400 going to final point.
Actually this is not the first negative signal to the West regarding Russian air defense systems. The Minister of defence of the USA James Mattis (James Mattis) in the statement made at the Pentagon on 15 July, noted that Turkey’s decision to purchase air defense system s-400 from Russia is its sovereign right, but then also gave a negative signal: “These systems will never be compatible with NATO systems. The Turks really buy s-400 missiles? They will use these systems only within the region? Need to wait for the answers to these questions.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also stressed that the decision to buy the s-400 system is the independent choice for Turkey, and added: “But we always pay attention to the compatibility of weapons that you intend to purchase, with the arms of other NATO members”.
Countries — NATO members use s-300
NATO includes countries that use s-200 and s-300, that is an older model s-400. These systems are used in Romania, Bulgaria and even Germany. However, none of the members of NATO currently does not have a system of air defense s-400.
Turkey will pay $ 2.5 billion
While the process of conclusion of the agreement between Ankara and Moscow for air defense systems s-400 progresses, the Turkish sources report that Turkey needs these systems for their own independent security, and this situation will not create any problems for NATO security. Under the agreement, which will enter into force after its signing by the Ministers of defence of two countries, Turkey will buy these systems for $ 2.5 billion. Placement of the s-400 to Turkey will occur in two stages. The first two systems will be delivered in 2019, and after placing them Turkey and Russia will jointly produce two other systems.
24 batteries, 96 missiles
Despite the fact that it is still unclear when Russia and Turkey will sign an agreement on the supply of s-400, it became known the number of missiles, which is mentioned in the negotiations. Under the agreement, the $ 2.5 billion (8.9 billion Turkish liras) will be paid not for two batteries, and two battalions of the missile systems. One division consists of 12 batteries. Consequently, missile systems s-400, which plans to acquire, will consist of 24 panels and 96 long-range missiles. In addition, each division will be equipped with radar and command center.
