Turkey seeks Russian SAM system

Turkey wants to acquire Russia's next generation S-400 Triumph surface to air missile system, NATO codename SA-21 Growler, according to Rosonboronexport senior official Anatoly Aksyonov, news agency RIA Novosti reported.

“Turkey has demonstrated a persistent desire to buy S-400 missile systems from Russia,” he said.

Aksyonov said the possible purchase was discussed at the IDEF show in Istanbul. “The interest in the S-400 is not occasional,” a spokesman said.

The SAM system has been developed by Almaz-Antei and was first deployed in Russia in 2006. Reportedly this system is capable of detecting and engaging targets, including stealth aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles.

The S-400 is designed to intercept and destroy airborne targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers, twice the range of the US’ MIM-104 Patriot, and two-and-a-half times that of Russia's S-300PMU-2.

So far, Russia has not exported S-400s, although there were reports in the Russian and foreign media that Moscow had been offering the system to China, the United Arab Emirates and Greece.

Iran has been reportedly showing interest in the S-400.

Russian military experts have described S-400 not just as an air defence system, but as a potential part of a strategic missile defence architecture that can also protect the airspace of neighbouring states.