Turkey to Deploy S-400 Air Defense Systems on Iraqi Border for Operation Against PKK?

Turkey is reportedly considering deploying its Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense systems along its Iraqi border as part of an upcoming summer offensive against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Iraqi Kurdistan.

If implemented, this would mark the first operational deployment of the S-400 since its acquisition in 2017, despite widespread condemnation from NATO allies.

According to Business Insider citing a Turkish newspaper, the potential deployment of the S-400s is purportedly aimed at countering drones allegedly acquired by the PKK.

On April 22, Turkey and Iraq signed an agreement to enhance strategic cooperation in the defense industry during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Baghdad. Additionally, discussions between Erdogan and Iraqi leaders focused on potential joint actions against the PKK.

However, experts note that the S-400's capabilities extend beyond countering small drones to defending against larger aerial threats, including cruise and ballistic missiles similar to those used in Iran's recent attacks against Israel.

The decision to deploy these Russian-made systems could strain Turkey's relations with other NATO members, particularly the United States, which has strongly opposed Turkey's possession and potential use of the S-400 due to concerns over interoperability and compromising NATO defense systems.

The acquisition of the S-400 system has already come at a substantial cost to Turkey, both financially and diplomatically. The deal reportedly cost Turkey $2.5 billion and led to indirect losses of over $9 billion from its exclusion from the F-35 supply chain after the U.S. barred Turkey from purchasing the aircraft.

If the S-400 is indeed deployed, it could be in response to potential threats from Iran's ballistic missiles, particularly given recent missile strikes in Northern Iraq.

The deployment of the S-400s could serve multiple political objectives for Turkey. Such a move might be intended to silence domestic critics, demonstrate continued military cooperation with Russia, and send a signal to Western allies, particularly the U.S., about Ankara's foreign policy stance.

However, the potential deployment of the S-400 raises significant concerns and complexities, particularly regarding Turkey's strategic relationships within NATO and its ongoing dispute with the United States over the possession of these Russian-made systems.

Victoria Nuland, the former Acting Deputy Secretary of State, has previously indicated that resolving the S-400 issue could pave the way for discussions on Turkey's readmission into the F-35 program.