Erdogan explains why Turkey needs S-400 systems

Turkey plans to use the Russian-made S-400 missile systems if the country comes under attack, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

"If the need arises, we will have the right to use them [the S-400 systems]. If someone attacks us, we will employ these air defense systems. This is why we are making such an investment," the Hurriyet newspaper cited the Turkish leader as saying.

Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s plans concerning the joint production of the S-400 systems. "As for joint production, we don’t have any issues with Russia," he stressed, recalling that at the very beginning of the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, they reached an agreement on that. 

"I hope that we will launch joint production, there are no problems at the moment. However, those who want us to abandon the S-400 purchase, continue to make speculations," the Turkish president added.