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With a range of 400 kilometers, S-400 Triumf is designed to shield from air strikes, strategic, cruise, tactical and operating tactical ballistic missiles and medium-range ballistic missiles [Russian MoD]
The transfer of this advanced weaponry from Russia comes after two years of negotiations between the two countries hand despite us threats that Ankara will face sanctions from its erstwhile allies.
Negotiations over the S-400 anti missile system began in earnest and September 2017 but were only finalised as of March of this year.
The US has tried to block the deal by pressuring Ankara with possible sanctions. There have been hints that Turkey could end up forfeiting purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 advanced fighter jets.
Turkey is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which considers Russia a threat in Europe.
“There is no need to make any statements regarding S-400, this is a done deal. Turkey will never backtrack on its earlier promises. What others say does not concern us,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said of the contract signed in September 2017 for $2.5 billion.
Russian sources say Turkish military personnel began training on operating the S-400 system as early as this April.
The response from NATO headquarters in Brussels has so far been muted but it is likely that NATO defense Chiefs will meet to discuss the Turkish purchase of Advanced Russian weaponry.
US officials had previously warned that the air defense system was not compatible with NATO weapons.
The S-400 is believed to be able to engage all types of aerial targets including aircraft and VLO (Very Low Observable) craft.
With a range of 400 kilometers and an altitude of close to 32 kms, S-400 Triumf is designed to shield from air strikes, strategic, cruise, tactical and operating tactical ballistic missiles and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as neutralize drones.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ air defense missile systems is equipped with three different types of missiles and an acquisition radar capable of tracking up to 300 targets within the range of nearly 600 kms.
Triumf is a system made of eight launchers and a control station.
Turkey follows China (in 2015) and India (in 2016) as major customers for the S-400.
Read more: S300, 400 missile systems to protect Russians in Syria
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
