Turkiye is still seeking options for which country it could sell its S-400s, purchased from russia under 2017 contract. Among probable buyers appeared Egypt, which already has russian S-300VM SAM systems, for which specifically declared is capability to shoot down ballistic missiles at ranges up to 40 kilometers.
But interestingly, Turks themselves consider possible S-400 supply question comprehensively, meaning SAM systems should come in package with establishing systemic military-technical cooperation.
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Primary source in this case is Defence Arabic portal publication. Publication authors write that for Turkiye, idea of selling its S-400s specifically to Egypt is beneficial from two angles
- Egyptian military already uses russian-made SAM systems, at the same time
- Turkish side will be able to remove problem that hindered return to F-35 program.
Egyptian defense minister discussed possible S-400 supply during his recent Turkiye visit, which remained unnoticed against backdrop of NATO summit in Ankara.
If corresponding agreement is reached, Egypt formally will be able to significantly strengthen its air defense coverage density. But further question arises about how Egyptian military will conduct maintenance of acquired S-400s, and what russias role will be here.
Previously we also wrote that after years of silence, russian S-300VM SAM systems for ballistic missile interception were showcased in Egypt, which already traded russia for China.
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