Ankara-Moscow Sign 'Documents' Related To S-400 Missile System Purchase: Erdogan

Ankara and Moscow have signed 'certain documents' as part of a deal on the purchase of Russian-made S-400 long-range air defense missile systems, Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday. 

"Steps have been taken and signatures signed with Russia concerning the S-400s. God willing we will see the S-400s in our country," Erdogan told lawmakers from his ruling AK Party at a party meeting in parliament, TV Channel Haber 7 reported.

Erdogan said he would request joint production of the S-400 in Turkey. Other reports said the potential purchase includes a provision allowing Ankara to produce some missiles domestically, which appears to further Turkey's goal of developing the capacity of its own defense industry.

With the purchase of the S-400's, Ankara aims to build Turkey's first long-range air and anti-missile defense system to guard against threats in the region.

Turkey has recently commenced negotiations with European firm Eurosam to co-develop an anti- missile defence system similar to the S-400 which some analysts interpret as Turkey's attempt to strike a good bargain between the two competing offers.

Turkey has agreed to pay Russia $2.5 billion for the S-400 systems, a Turkish official said on July 13. However, subsequent reports said Ankara was also attempting to negotiate a loan with Moscow for the S-400 System purchase.