Media: Russian S-400 missiles systems will be deployed in Turkey next year
Turkish Anadolu state news agency reported, citing Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar that Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems would be deployed in Turkey in the beginning of October, 2019.
Turkey's procurement of the S-400 systems, which are incompatible with NATO’s defense systems, raised concerns with the United States and other members of the alliance who are already disturbed by Russia's presence in the Middle East.
Hurriyet newspaper reports that the Association of Communication Agencies of Russia (ACAR) told Anadolu that Turkish personnel will be sent to Russia for training.
The United States warned Turkey that the purchase of S-400 systems may lead to sanctions and the suspension of other deals but Ankara still intends to acquire the Russian systems anyway.
Turkey stated that its Western allies, namely the United States, have been less than cooperative in strengthening its defense capabilities. Ankara had to find a solution to meet its needs outside of NATO.