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Where will the S-400s be deployed?

Russian-made S-400 batteries are expected to arrive in Turkey before the end of July and be deployed in Ankara.

A view shows a new S-400 "Triumph" surface-to-air missile system after its deployment at a military base outside the town of Gvardeysk near Kaliningrad, Russia March 11, 2019. Picture taken March 11, 2019. REUTERS/Vitaly Nevar - RC179E3FA920
A view shows a new S-400 "Triumph" surface-to-air missile system after its deployment at a military base outside the town of Gvardeysk near Kaliningrad, Russia, March 11, 2019. — REUTERS/Vitaly Nevar

The last chance for Turkey and the United States to avoid a crisis over Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile system was during a meeting between Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Donald Trump at the G-20 summit in Japan. Now, that chance has passed.

The meeting made it clear that regardless of what the American side says, Turkey will receive the Russian-made systems. The first shipment of the S-400 batteries will arrive in Turkey by the end of July, and Turkey is now preparing itself for the impact of possible US sanctions, security sources told Al-Monitor.

After President Erdogan’s announcement, further confirmation came from presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin on July 4: “S-400s will be delivered very soon and will be actively used,” he said.

Security sources said that the first shipment will consist of nine transporter erector launchers (TELs), a long-range surveillance radar, target acquisition and engagement (fire control) radar systems, a command/control unit and additional fire-control radar system. This will be the first component of two battalions that will be delivered to Turkey.

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