Turkey has said that the S-400 missile system purchased from Russia is operational and can be deployed within 12 hours if needed. Turkey received two units of the S-400 missile system from Russia in 2019. But, Turkey did not operationalise it due to US opposition.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler has said that the US has now withdrawn its objections after refusing to sell F-35 jets after buying the Russian S-400. It is believed that the US may soon approve the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey. However, the US has not yet responded to the issue. Turkey signed an S-400 purchase deal with Russia in 2017 despite US objections. Two years later in 2019, Turkey also received the delivery of two S-400 missile systems.
Yasar Guler has said that the Turkish-owned S-400s are operational and can be deployed within 12 hours if the appropriate order is given. Earlier there were reports that Turkey has not yet activated the S-300 missile system and is trying to sell it to another country. It was even feared that the S-400 missile system received by Turkey had rusted and would need repairs by Russian technicians to be restarted.
What is the S-400?
The S-400 Triumf is a long-range surface-to-air missile system manufactured by Russian defense contractor Almaz Antey and was officially adopted by the Russian military in 2007. It is designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft and missiles and can strike targets up to 400 kilometers away and at an altitude of 30 kilometers.
Why is America worried about S-400 Triumph
America fears that Turkey can scan its F-35 aircraft with the radar of S-400. This can reveal the stealth capabilities of the American F-35 aircraft. F-35 is America's most advanced fighter aircraft, which has been made to sell to many other countries as well. If once the stealth capabilities of this aircraft are revealed, it can shock the American defense industry and defense capabilities.