Turkey buys Russian S-400 missile system

The acquisition comes as Ankara tries to approach Moscow, following Turkey's collapse of a Russian bomber in 2015.

We have now taken steps with Russia on this acquisition. The agreements have been signed,”, Mr Erdogan told his deputies. “By God's will, we will see the arrival of S-400 missiles in our country and then continue with the joint production,\” said the Turkish president.

Mr. Erdogan already tried to ease the concerns of his NATO partners, “Why would this strain cause? A country should be looking for ideal ways for its own security,” he said.

Ankara has disagreements with its Western allies over the support they give to Kurdish Syrian groups that fight against Islamic State, groups seen as terrorists from Turkey. Another issue is growing Western criticism of Turkey over human rights.

Ankara's NATO partners have expressed concern about the compliance of the Russian missile system with Alliance technology, along with fears that Moscow could use the S-400 system as a land horse to compromise NATO systems.

The issue is expected to add questions about Ankara's loyalty.

Zaur Gasimov, analyst at the Max Webber Foundation dealing with Russian-Turkish relations, says buying the S-400 system is a costly step of the Turkish side to demonstrate its sovereignty and a signal to the US, the EU and Germany. “Buying the S-400 system, Ankara shows it is ready to get closer to Moscow”, the analyst says.

Ankara insists that the $2.4 billion missile system, known as one of the most effective on the market, represents the lowest market price. The sale is supported by Russia's commitment to transfer technology, also a priority of the Turkish government.

After buying missiles, however, there may be other reasons, not just the need for protection. Ankara is trying to convince Moscow to end all economic sanctions imposed on Turkey following the collapse of the Russian aircraft.

Some of these sanctions have been reduced after a series of meetings between President Erdogan and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.