Russian President Vladimir Putin's adviser in charge of military cooperation Vladimir Kozhin said they would deliver the S-400 missile defense systems to Turkiye in early 2020.

According to the news Russia's official news agency TASS, Kozhin said; "Turkiye wants the faster implementation of the agreement. We also agreed to accelerate the implementation. I think we will deliver at the early of 2020."

However, pointing out the NATO's pressure on Turkiye not to purchase weapons from Russia, Kozhin said “The contract has been signed and will be implemented,” with four batteries expected to be delivered.

In various sources, it is stated that the total cost of the deal could amount to 2.5 billion dollars.

S-400, which is shown as one of the best air defense systems in use in the world, can destroy both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.

With a maximum range of 400 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 30 kilometers, this system also locks two missiles at each target and simultaneously hits 80 targets.

Turkiye will be the first NATO member to have the S-400 batteries.

ILKHA