Markov explained why Erdogan needs Russian S-400s

ALERT:  Sourced from Russian State-Controlled Media

SVPressa.ru: Turkey will definitely not give up on the Russian anti-aircraft missile system (SAM) S-400. This is the opinion of the Russian political scientist, director-general of the Institute for Political Studies Sergei Markov.

“The fact is that this complex is very, very important for Turkey,” he points out, commenting on the statement by the head of the Turkish Defense Industry Directorate, Ismail Demir.

Earlier, speaking with Russian journalists, Ismail Demir said that Turkey is not discussing the abandonment of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems under pressure from the United States or NATO. “This is not a subject of discussion for us. We discussed this issue in the past, and now we just continue [cooperation with the Russian Federation]. Refusal of this is not even discussed, ”the politician said.

As Sergei Markov recalls, Ankara currently has an American anti-missile system and a Russian S-400 complex. But Turkey understands that in case of any emergency, the American system can be blocked.

“ Erdogan remembers very well how in 2016 it was the pro-American military who wanted to overthrow him with the support of the United States intelligence agencies. He knows that at some point the Americans may want to repeat a similar operation.

Then the American systems will simply not be able to protect their presidential palace from missile attacks from aircraft that will be piloted by pro-American pilots. Only Russian complexes will really protect him from overthrow and assassination. Therefore, Erdogan will never agree to hand over the S-400,” the political scientist emphasizes.

According to the expert, the President of Turkey sees in this not only the preservation of his life and his status but also the preservation of the independence of his policy from the United States.

“And for Erdogan, this is extremely important,” Sergei Markov sums up.

Source:  SVPressa.ru