Türkiye confirms continued deployment of Russian S-400 systems

The Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems supplied to Türkiye remain in service with the Turkish army, and the country has not changed its position regarding them, Defence Ministry spokesperson, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, has said.

He made the remarks in response to recent media reports suggesting that Türkiye might return or resell the systems, Caliber.Az reports.

"The S-400 air defence systems are in service with our army. Our position on the S-400 has not changed," the rear-admiral said.

Türkiye purchased the S-400 systems from Russia in 2017, despite strong opposition from NATO allies, particularly the United States. The deal strained relations between Ankara and Washington, leading to Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet program and the imposition of U.S. sanctions under the CAATSA law. Since then, the S-400 issue has remained a point of contention in the country’s defence and foreign policy, amid ongoing debate about the system’s compatibility with NATO operations.

By Khagan Isayev