Russian S-400 rockets handed over to Turkey on this date, NATO alarmed

Speaking to the Parliament's Planning and Budget Committee, Canikli said the agreement on procurement of the missile system was signed and two S-400 systems, where one was optional, and would be proposed as part of the agreement.

The first handover of S-400 air defence systems is scheduled to take place in 2019,” said defence minister, reports “Hurriyet Daily News”, Periscopi broadcast.

“As soon as these systems are accepted, our country will have provided an important air protection capability. This solution aimed at meeting an urgent need will not hinder our commitment to the development of our systems,” he said.

Turkey has been in talks with Russia to buy S-400 for more than a year, a first decision by Washington and some of its other NATO allies as an obstacle to the Western military alliance.

“Turkey has also had talks with Franco-Italian E consortium UROSAM for development of its missile defence systems, after signing a memorandum to strengthen co-operation in defence projects between the three countries,” said Canikli.

“With the memorandum in question Turkish, French and Italian firms have begun co-operation to identify, develop, produce and use a more advanced version of the SAMP-T missile system in a joint consortium”, he said.

Turkey aims to soon bring talks with EUROSM to a final “”, Canikli said, adding that Ankara intends to finalise the agreement by the end of 2017 late.

The minister also said he handed over all documents proving “all organic relations between Syria's Kurdish Democratic Union. [ PKD] and PKK”.

Clearing on the sweep within Turkey's Armed Forces after the 15 July coup attempt, Canikli said a total of 8,570 people from the army were fired as they were “set to have organic links” to the Terrorist Organisation Fetullahist (FETÖ). /Periscopi/