Turkey Considers Purchasing 2nd Regiment of Russian-Made S-400 Air Defense Systems

Ankara considers buying the second regiment of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia, despite the US pressure, Head of Turkey’s Defense Industries Ismail Demir said on Wednesday, TASS reports.

"Our work on the second [regiment] of S-400 systems continues," he said in an interview with the Turkish NTV television channel.

Turkey is also working on reinforcing its armed forces by developing its own air defense systems, he said. "This year, the deliveries of Sungur and Hisar A+ systems will begin and the work on developing the domestic Siper air defense system continues."

The head of the Turkish defense industry said on January 11 that the S-400 air defense systems delivered to Turkey were ready for activation.