Turkish NTV television channel on Monday has reported that Ankara and Moscow have agreed on the delivery of the second batch of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.
"As we have always said, if some system is purchased, this is done for its operation [according to its designation]. That's it. As for putting the systems into operation, the world has passed a certain stage and the pace of work has slowed and trips have been limited. All this has affected the deployment of S-400s," Head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Ismail Demir told NTV, Defence-Blog reports.
The statement came as Demir commented on the ongoing debate on whether the S-400 may be activated and put on combat duty.
Ankara and Moscow continue negotiations on further implementing the contract on the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems, he said.
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As the Turkish defense industry head said, the parties reached a principled agreement on the delivery of the second set, while the roadmap of the deal includes the issues of "the transfer of technologies and joint production."
The official also said the defense system deployment process was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demir added that talks with the United States for the procurement of the Patriot air defense system have not matured, while Turkey remains "open to the offers of Patriot and Eurosam.
"We would like to continue to work on these projects if there are concrete proposals," the official said.
