Turkey Buying S-400, Why is US Perturbed?

By
EurAsian Times Desk
-

The contract with Turkey for the delivery of S-400 complexes has not yet been signed and entered into force, Alexander Mikheev, DG of Rosoboronexport, said at the International Military Technical Forum “Army-2017”.

Earlier, the media reported on the signing of this contract. “The contract is in a high degree of readiness, but has not yet been signed and entered into force,” he said. On July 25, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced the signing of certain documents by Ankara and Moscow in the framework of the agreement on the purchase of the S-400. However, Moscow did not comment on this information. Erdogan said that “for years Turkey could not get from the US what it wanted” in matters of purchasing anti-aircraft missile systems, and “was forced to conduct searches” that led to agreements on the S-400.

Vladimir Kozhin, the Russian president’s aide on military technical cooperation, said earlier that the contract for the delivery of the S-400 to Turkey had been agreed. S-400 “Triumph” – long-range anti-aircraft missile system, adopted in service in 2007. It is intended for the destruction of aviation, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium range, can be used against ground targets. In April, the Deputy Head of the Russian Air Force, Viktor Gumenny said that missiles for the S-400, capable of destroying targets in near space, began to be used.

Why is US concerned about Turkey’s purchase of S-400?

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan does not understand why the United States is concerned about the possible purchase of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. The corresponding statement was made on Monday at Ankara airport after the tour to the Persian Gulf states. “Each country has the right to take certain measures to ensure its own security,” the Turkish leader said. “They are not concerned about the use of other weapons, and in the case of S-400 systems they are showing.”

Erdogan also assured that “there can be no reasons for the experience,” and confirmed that “the negotiations have practically come to an end.” Earlier on Monday, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee of the US Armed Forces, General Joseph Dunford, speaking at a security conference in the US city of Aspen, Colorado, said Washington would be alarmed by Ankara’s purchase of S-400 systems from Moscow.

Prior to this, Vladimir Kozhin, the presidential aide for military-technical cooperation, said that the contract for the delivery of the S-400 Turkey had been agreed. Rostelekh General Director Sergei Chemezov said that the republic will borrow part of the funds for purchasing the SAMs from Russia.

The S-400 Triumph is a long-range missile system adopted in service in 2007. It is intended for the destruction of aviation, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium range, can be used against ground targets. In April, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Viktor Gumenny, said that missiles capable of destroying targets in near space, were being used for armament.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR