(MENAFN - Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ANKARA, Dec 29 (KUNA) -- Turkey and Russia signed on Friday an agreement on the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.

Under the deal, Turkey will receive two S-400 missile defense systems, the first of which will be delivered in Q1-2020, according to a statement by the Turkish Defense Industries Agency.

The Turkish Armed Forces will take control of the defense system entirely, the statement said, noting that the use of system be fully independent from any external connections.

Two days ago, Turkey's National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli said the deal had been concluded with the Russian defense corporation Rostec.

He noted that the two long-range anti-aircraft missile systems to be received by Turkey include four batteries.

The S-400 missile defense system is capable of destroying targets such as ballistic and cruise missiles; it can also track, and engage with, up to 300 targets at a time with an altitude of 27 kilometers (17 miles). (end) rs.gb

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