Russia's S-400 air defense system, S-400 "Triumph" air defense missile, is the third generation of the Russian territorial Air Defense Air Force surface-to-air missile system, used from ultra-low altitude to high altitude, short distance to ultra-long range against intensive multi-target air strikes in the whole airspace, according to the S-400 developed sea-based version called Rudot air defense missile system. Although in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, this weapon really has no room to play, after all, the Ukrainian army now simply can not take any decent fighter jets and missiles, after all, the S-400 to fight drones, too extravagant, if Russia's full hand, Ukraine simply can not resist such a long time, long ago was taken down.
Recently, Turkey is ready to show the world what this air defense system is capable of. It is reported that Erdogan is preparing to deploy the missile to the border area near Iraq and Iran, for the first time to use it in real combat.
According to information released by the Turkish Defense Ministry, Turkish security forces recently carried out air strikes in northern Iraq and northern Syria, killing a total of 19 members of the Kurdistan Workers Party. In addition, there are reports that Erdogan is also preparing to attack the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Iraq in the summer, and most importantly, Turkey's long-purchased S-400 air defense system from Russia is likely to be deployed for the first time.
It is well known that Turkey has been buying S-400 for many years, but it has not been put into official use due to threats from the United States. But they have privately tested the system with F-16s over White House objections, drawing strong condemnation from the United States. In the end, Ankara also paid a painful price for the deal, in addition to sanctions, but also kicked out of the F-35 development program.
Since the outbreak of the current round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Erdogan has repeatedly denounced the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, and recalled his ambassador to Israel. Therefore, Turkey's move is likely to be aimed at Israel. Of course, considering some time ago, Iran's military action against Israel, it cannot be ruled out that Erdogan's move is to guard against Iran, after all, Iran's missile strength can not be underestimated.
However, the United States in the S-400 deployment, what kind of attitude, currently unknown, considering Turkey's influence in the Middle East, now, they are not afraid of the threat, directly began to use this equipment, the location is still sensitive in the Middle East, the purpose is not so simple defense.
After all, the small Kurdish armed forces are not enough to let the Turkish forces mobilize and use high-end weapons such as the S-400. Therefore, in the view of analysts, Erdogan's move, in addition to defensive considerations, is likely to compete with Biden's voice in the Middle East. It is estimated that even the United States itself did not think that Turkey would become their biggest rival in the Middle East, and I wonder how Biden will react when he reads this news.