Türkiye is considering integrating the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems into its homegrown Iron Dome project, according to Report, which cites pro-government newspaper Hürriyet.
The move comes after Türkiye's acquisition of four S-400 divisions from Russia at $2.5 billion, despite facing exclusion from the US-led F-35 fighter jet program as a consequence.
The decision to merge the S-400s with the Iron Dome was reportedly made during a meeting of the Turkish defense industry's executive committee on August 6, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The TRT Haber television channel revealed that Türkiye is developing a multi-layered air defense system dubbed the Iron Dome, which will incorporate artificial intelligence technology.
Defense and security analyst Turan Oguz stated, "The S-400 air defense systems can also be included in this system. Since it is our national system, we can connect the S-400s to it as well."