Russian S-400 Defense Systems Minimize Turkey's External Dependency - Minister

ANKARA (Sputnik) - The acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense systems is in the interest of the Turkish nation since it minimizes Turkey's external dependency, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said Friday.

"The purchase of S-400 anti-missile systems is Turkey's national interest, which does not have anything to do with the politics… The Russian air defense systems minimize Turkey's external dependence," Soylu was quoted as saying by the Anadolu news agency.

READ MORE: Turkey Rejects US Demand to Cancel Russian S-400 Deal — Reports

The interior minister noted that Turkey was currently unable to repel a missile attack on the country, and the Russian anti-missile systems would strengthen the Turkish air defense systems. Soylu added that the countries, which had refused to supply Turkey with advanced air defense systems wanted to undermine Turkey's military capacity.

In December, Russia and Turkey signed a loan agreement for the supply of the S-400 air defense systems to Ankara. The deal triggered disagreements between Ankara and Washington, with the latter threatening to impose sanctions against Turkey, as the United States believes that the weapon is incompatible with the NATO defenses.

In late April, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey was also considering purchasing US-made Patriot missile defense system or other air defense systems if it was able to get a fair offer from its NATO allies.