The Turkish defense sector leadership, led by İsmail Demir, president of the Turkish Defense Industry, has clarified Turkey’s approach to the Russian S-400 air defense system. The core message is clear: the S-400 is not kept in a constant active mode. It remains a tool that can be activated when there is a concrete threat to national security or when risk conditions warrant it. This stance was conveyed during a TRT broadcast and reported by TASS, reflecting Turkey’s intention to balance readiness with resource management.
The defense official explained that the S-400 provides protection against ballistic missiles and high-speed projectiles. Yet activation hinges on threat assessment. When there is no imminent danger, there is no need to keep the system deployed or in full active state. The emphasis is on expanding the radar, enhancing situational awareness, and maintaining readiness rather than a perpetual watch. This approach aligns with Turkey’s broader priority of safeguarding strategic resources while ensuring the country can respond swiftly if a threat materializes.
Demir also noted a longer horizon for achieving a native air defense capability on par with the S-400. He stated that Turkey would need at least six more years to develop its own defense systems capable of reaching a similar level of performance. This judgment underscores the country’s plan to build indigenous capabilities in parallel with strategic partnerships and legacy systems. The goal is to achieve autonomous defense capacity over time while leveraging international cooperation as needed for modernization and resilience.
Meanwhile, industry observers had previously discussed a potential second batch of S-400 units. Aydınlık had reported that delivery could occur in May, amid Ankara’s stance on restricting sales to third parties. This background highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining external defense links and pursuing domestic production and innovation. The discussions point to a nuanced strategy that seeks to preserve Turkey’s security interests while expanding its role in regional defense technology and industrial capability.
In related developments, Dmitry Shugaev, who heads Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, announced in August 2022 that a contract had been concluded for supplying a second regiment of S-400 systems to Turkey. The designation Triumph has been associated with this configuration, signaling continued collaboration between Russia and Turkey on advanced air defense platforms. Analysts note that such agreements shape the practical landscape for Turkey’s security posture and its longer-term goals in defense modernization. The evolving relationship reflects a willingness to engage with multiple partners while pursuing independent defense solutions that reduce long-term vulnerability to disruption and export controls. (attribution TASS)