Turkey in ‘final stage’ of purchasing missile system from Russia

Turkey is in the “final stage” with Russia over the purchase of a missile defence system that cannot be integrated into the NATO system a Turkish minister has said.

Turkey’s talks with Russia about the purchase of the S-400 air missile defence system have reached a “final stage”, although this does not mean a deal will be signed immediately, Defence Minister Fikri Isik said today.

Isik also told a news conference that NATO countries have not presented a “financially effective” offer on an alternative defence system. Turkey then said it would consider developing a missile system locally, but that stance later shifted.

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In 2015 Turkey also cancelled a $3.4 billion tender for a long-range missile defence system that had been provisionally awarded to China.

Turkey plays a role in NATO’s ballistic missile defence system, which link’s missile defence assets from different allies, including Turkey. It combines satellites, ships, radars and interceptors, from different member countries, under NATO command and control.

With the S-400 not feasible for integration into the NATO system, Turkey’s deal with Russia may add further strain on already tense relations between Turkey and its NATO partners.

Isik, however, was quick to point out that “work on the S-400 has reached a final point. But the final stage does not mean ‘let’s sign a deal tomorrow morning'”.