Turkey and Russia have signed the contract on purchase of S-400, the Russian-made anti-aircraft missile launchers. Turkish leader Recep Tayip Erdogan said that in his commentary for Hurriyet.
‘The documents for purchase of S-400s from Russia are already signed. As far as I know, the deposit was paid, too,’ he said, adding that he and his Russian counterpart Putin are intending to live up to their respective commitments under this contract.
The Russian side also confirmed that the deal was signed successfully.
It is the first large arms deal between Russia and Turkey, which has been NATO member since 1952. According to Bloomberg, two S-400s will be sent to Turkey next year; another two will be assembled in Turkey.
In August, the U.S. slammed the Turkish government’s intentions to buy the weapons from Russia, warning that such steps would create problems in relations.