Where is Turkey going to deploy Russia's S-400 missiles?

Ankara is said to be considering possible locations for the deployment of the S-400 missile defense systems, as the date for the arrival of the powerful batteries purchased from Russia draws near.

Turkey expects delivery of the Russian system by July 2019.

According to military sources, S-400 batteries are expected to be deployed first to the capital upon their arrival next month, as military officials are considering alternatives to the Akıncı Air Base as possible locations for S-400 deployment.

The Doğatepe region of Ayaş in particular was being considered by a defense ministry delegation for that purpose with a report on the issue soon to be published, according to the same sources.

Turkey decided in 2017 to purchase the S-400 system following protracted efforts to purchase air defense systems from the U.S., with no success.

Tensions between the U.S. and Turkey have reached a fever pitch in recent months with Turkey set to begin receiving the advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile system of Russia.

U.S. officials have suggested Turkey buy the U.S. Patriot missile system rather than the S-400, arguing it is incompatible with NATO systems and a threat to the F-35 fifth-generation stealth aircraft.

Turkey responded that it was the U.S. refusal to sell it Patriots that led it to seek other sellers, adding that Russia offered a better deal, including technology transfers.