Turkish and Russian media reports have stated that Turkey has tested its Russian-made S-400
air defense system.
As per reports, the launch took place at a military base near the Black Sea.
This move indicates that Turkey intends to operationally deploy the S-400 and is in no
mood to back down though it has face a lot of pressure from NATO
It comes just weeks after the system’s radar tracked a Greek F-16, which was condemned
by NATO.
U.S Department of Defense spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said if reports of the launch
are true, the DoD “strongly condemns” the test.
He stated, “We object to Turkey’s purchase of the
system,”.
“It should not be activated.
Doing so risks serious consequences for our security relationship.
Turkey has already been suspended from the F-35 program and the S-400 continues to be
a barrier to progress elsewhere in the bilateral relationship.”
It took delivery of the S-400 in July last year.
In this video Defense Updates analyzes how Turkey is compromising U.S & NATO forces by
activating Russian S-400 air defense systems ?
Let’s get started
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S 400 Triumph is an anti-aircraft weapon system developed by Russia’s Almaz Central Design
Bureau in the 1990s as an upgrade of the S 300 family.
it has been in service with the Russian armed forces since 2007.
It is designed to defend against aircraft including 5th generation stealth fighters,
bombers, AWACS, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
It is considered one of the most powerful air defense systems in the world.
The radars of S 400 have a range of around 600 km or around 370 miles.
The main radar is complimented by target acquisition radars some of which are touted to have the
ability to detect stealth aircraft.
S 400 deploys multiple missiles to cover its strike envelope and can hit targets at a range
of up to 400 km or 250 miles
Because of its capabilities, S 400 has the potential to change the tactical balance in
a region.
In July 2017, Turkey reportedly signed the deal to acquire the S-400 air defense system
from Russia.
It took delivery of the S-400 in July last year.
As per reports, Russia and Turkey are in the final stage of negotiation on more S 400 batteries.
Turkey has insisted that since it currently has the Cold War era surface to air missile
system, it requires an upgrade and S 400 fits in perfectly.
It is to be noted that Turkey had repeatedly asked for the Patriot Air defense System from
the U.S but was rejected by the Obama administration.
The Patriot PAC 3 is being offered to it now, but Turkey is no longer interested in it.
Erdogan was quoted by NTV as saying: "One S-400 is worth three Patriots.
If the conditions are even equal to the S-400 (deal), we would buy Patriots, but if they
are not, then we have to think of our interests,”
There are 3 main reasons for the opposition of S 400:
1.
NATO as an organization likes to have interoperability.
So, the Russian system will be out of place and reduce tactical flexibility.
2.
When Turkey operates the jets in the airspace which is monitored by S 400.S 400 will be
able to gather technical data such as radar signature of F 35s.
This could potentially pass onto Russian hands and could undercut the main advantage of F35s
that’s ‘stealth'.
3.
S 400 could be hooked to Turkish air defense as part of an integrated air defense setup.
This could be a major security breach as having the S-400 linked into Turkish defense networks
could potentially give Russian analysts access to sensitive information that passes through
the cloud-based, multi-national Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) of F 35s.
ALIS has critical mission data and flight routes.
Several important people have expressed reservation when it comes to F 35 sells to Turkey if it
acquired S 400
US Army Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, the head of US forces in Europe, told a Senate Armed
Services Committee, “My best military advice would be that we don't then follow through
with the F-35, flying it or working with an ally that's working with Russian systems,
particularly air-defense systems, with what I would say is probably one of most advanced
technological capabilities.”
NATO Allied Air Commander Gen. Tod Wolters had stated, “Anything that an S-400 can
do that affords it the ability to better understand a capability like the F-35 is certainly not
to the advantage of the coalition.”
Turkey has indicated that it wants to get advance fighter jets -Sukhoi Su-35 and Su-57
from Russia after its was expelled from F-35 program.
Russian and Turkish news outlets reported that Mr. Putin led Erdogan to Su-57 which
is developed by Sukhoi, at the annual MAKS-2019 air show at Zhukovsky International Airport
outside Moscow.
According to the Associated Press, Erdogan looked into the cockpit of the Su-57 and asked
whether it was available for sale.
Mr. Putin is said to have smiled and said, "Yes, you can buy it”
Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper reported that Erdogan and Putin also had a private conversation
for oven an hour.
This move could further jeopardize relation between Turkey & NATO.
Su-57 is seen as Russian answer to F-35 and its most sophisticated aircraft.
Viewers may note that the Su 57 program had the backing of India.
India was looking for a customized variant of Su 57 for its air force and had put in
significant funding.
India wanted to acquire around 150 jets.
But in April 2018, India pulled out of the project.
The main reasons were engine issue and unconvincing stealth characteristics.
Su-57 has a fair share of problems and it is no secret that Russia is trying to woo
back India as well as looking for new partners.
On May 15 Mr. Putin revealed that a procurement plan is being laid out for acquiring 76 Su-57
for the Russian Air Force and it is expected that these will be deployed by 2028.
This is a major delay as the Kremlin previously planned to have 150 of these aircraft in service
by 2020.
A deal with Turkey could invigorate the Su-57 program as much of the delay is attributed
to financial issues which is hampering R&D.
S 400 has not been used in the battlefield to take out a target till now but it is still
proving to be a major headache for the U.S and NATO.
It is turning out to be a great tool in the hands of Russian President Putin to drive
a wedge between the U.S and its allies.
A fighter jet deal between Turkey and Russia if it happens , will have its roots in the
S 400 deal.
On 5th Oct 2018, during India-Russia bilateral annual summit held in New Delhi, Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi & Russian President Vladimir Putin finalized the deal of S 400.
India will get 5 regiments of S 400 and the contract is worth 5.5 Billion USD.
The delivery is expected to start in the next year.
Just like Turkey, sanctions against India will be very detrimental for Indo - U.S relations.
It remains to be seen how the U.S & NATO handles the situation.