Turkey to obtain first Russian S-400 missile system in 2019
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E-mail Xinhua, November 23, 2017
The first Russian S-400 missile system is planned to be delivered to Turkey in 2019, Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli said on Wednesday.
Speaking to the parliament's Planning and Budget Committee, Canikli said the agreement for the procurement of two S-400 missile system was signed, one of which will be optional, , local news channel NTV reported.
"The first delivery of the S-400 air defense systems is planned to be accomplished in 2019," the defense minister said.
The S-400 is Russia's most advanced long-range anti-aircraft missile system and can carry three types of missiles capable of destroying targets, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
Turkey has also had negotiations with the Franco-Italian EUROSAM consortium on developing its own missile defense systems, after signing a defense cooperation memorandum between the three countries, Canikli said.
Turkish, French and Italian firms have started cooperation to identify, develop, produce and use a more advanced version of the SAMP-T missile system in a common consortium, he said.
Canikli said Ankara aims to finalize the deal with EUROSAM by the end of 2017 at the latest.
A memorandum was signed on Nov. 8 between Turkey, France and Italy to develop an anti-ballistic missile.
Under the pact, Turkey and the Franco-Italian EUROSAM will work together to determine needs and priorities for the potential joint production of a SAMP-T anti-ballistic missile system.
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