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• Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu detained yet again on way to meet deceased scribe’s family
  in National

  

  UPCC president Ajay Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday

  Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Ajay Kumar Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday night.

  The vehicles in which Lallu and other party workers were travelling were stopped by the police. After this, the Congress leaders began walking towards Ballia and were again detained in Salon by the police.This, according to Congress sources, is the 23rd time that Ajay Kumar Lallu has been prevented from reaching his destination by the state police. 

  Earlier this month, Lallu was detained while going to Bansgaon in Azamgarh to meet the family of a Dalit sarpanch who had been killed.In May this year, he was arrested in Agra and sent to jail for almost three weeks for 'misguiding the government on the issue of buses for migrants.'

   

  Army's Gift of Sight: 250 veterans' visi…

  28-12-2024

  

  A team of Army doctors from various military hospitals restored the eyesight of more than 250 veterans in a three-day operation in Dehradun, utilizing advanced equipment. The initiative, proposed by...

  Read more

  'The food we eat is produced by the farm…

  28-12-2024

  

  Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk visited hunger-striking farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border protest site to show solidarity. Dallewal, 70, has been fasting since November 26 to demand...

  Read more

  Thank you & doodbye, Dr Sahab: Forme…

  28-12-2024

  

  Manmohan Singh's state funeral was conducted with full military honors, attended by politicians, dignitaries, and family members. Despite tensions between Congress and BJP over memorial sites, the event remained dignified...

  Read more

  Karnataka SIT files chargesheet, names B…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Karnataka CID's Special Investigation Team, probing rape charges against BJP MLA Munirathna Naidu and other allegations involving his associates, including a police official, has submitted a 2,481-page chargesheet. It...

  Read more

  High court sets up all-woman SIT to prob…

  28-12-2024

  

  Madras high court has formed an all-women SIT of IPS officers to probe the Anna University rape case and ordered Rs 25 lakh compensation to the survivor. The compensation will...

  Read more

  Single parent entitled to apply for mino…

  28-12-2024

  

  Telangana High Court ruled a single parent with custody can obtain a child's passport without the other parent's consent. Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya set aside a contrary requirement, finding it unnecessary...

  Read more

  2 held from Delhi's Batla House over Sam…

  28-12-2024

  

  Two youths linked to the Nov 24 Sambhal violence were arrested by UP police in Delhi's Batla House. They had reportedly sought refuge in Jamia. Police are investigating connections between...

  Read more

  Don't act as spokesperson of farm protes…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Supreme Court has warned the Punjab government of constitutional consequences after it expressed helplessness in hospitalizing farmer representative Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike at Shambhu...

  Read more

  High court flags 'grave lapses' in 60+ l…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench ordered a retrial in a rape case, citing non-compliance with Section 309 CrPC, which mandates day-to-day trials. Noting delays and lapses, the court emphasized...

  Read more

  Bhutan king, Mauritius minister lay wrea…

  28-12-2024

  

  Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful attended the funeral of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi. Bhutan held prayer ceremonies, flew its national...

  Read more

  MK Stalin: Government insulted Manmohan …

  28-12-2024

  

  Read more

  Wasn't there as a politician, says BJP's…

  28-12-2024

  

  At the state funeral of ex-PM Manmohan Singh, BJP member Manjinder Singh Sirsa and AAP RS MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney paid their respects through assistance with ceremonial rites. Sirsa, noting...

  Read more

  Bank staff, 3 others use idle IDs to sip…

  28-12-2024

  

  Karnataka police arrested an Axis Bank relationship manager and three others for embezzling over Rs 12 crore from Dreamplug Paytech Solutions Pvt Ltd via unauthorized access and manipulation of account...

  Read more

  Coal block allocation scam case against …

  28-12-2024

  

  Former PM Manmohan Singh's attempts to clear his name in an alleged irregular coal block allocation case remained unfulfilled as the Supreme Court stayed the trial court's summoning order. The...

  Read more

  When a 91-yr-old Manmohan Singh came to …

  28-12-2024

  

  Former PM Manmohan Singh, despite his advanced age of 91 and fragile health, showcased his unwavering commitment to the democratic process by attending Rajya Sabha proceedings in a wheelchair, including...

  Read more

  Congress's Partap Singh Bajwa demands Bh…

  28-12-2024

  

  Calls for posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to late former PM Manmohan Singh rose during his final journey. Punjab Congress' Partap Singh Bajwa emphasized Singh’s vital role in India’s economic reforms...

  Read more

  Pranab Mukherjee's daughter, PV Narasim…

  28-12-2024

  

  Sharmistha Mukherjee criticizes Congress for not holding a CWC meeting or passing a condolence resolution after former President Pranab Mukherjee's death. She highlights Congress's treatment of former PM Manmohan Singh...

  Read more

  SAD, AAP join Congress in seeking memori…

  28-12-2024

  

  The funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sparked controversy as Congress, AAP, and SAD decried the government's decision to cremate him at Nigambodh Ghat instead of Rajghat. They highlighted...

  Read more

  Protocol eased for Sonia & Priyanka…

  28-12-2024

  

  During Dr Manmohan Singh's funeral, the government made a rare exception to allow Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to lay wreaths. Despite not being on the original list, protocol officials...

  Read more

  Seating arrangement at Manmohan Singh's …

  28-12-2024

  

  The seating at the Nigambodh Ghat state funeral for Manmohan Singh was notably divided with government officials led by PM Modi on one side and Congress leaders on the other...

  Read more

   

• Cong Mulls Appointing 2 Vice-Prez to Assist Sonia Gandhi as Leaders Seek 'Active, Visible' Leadership
  in National

  

  For the past few days, a handful of Congress leaders have been preparing for the Congress Working Committee meeting.

  It’s to be a departure from recent past and instead of Zoom, it will now be using WebEx for video conferencing the meet to tide over the fear of hacking. The last time Sonia Gandhi met Rajya Sabha MPs, the incident left a bad experience. So this time, the Congress is taking no chances and the ID for the meeting will be given to the participants just before it begins.

  Ironically, the fear of leak or hacking is not from China, Pakistan or even the BJP. It’s from within the party as the Congress faces a crisis of leadership and voices that were silent or reticent till now have started becoming vocal. At such a time, the last thing the top Congress leadership would want is for their internal strife to be made public.

  However, the change in the means of conducting the meeting cannot put a lid on the crisis that the CWC could address. The biggest problem remains that of leadership. Most leaders in private and, some publicly, have complained that Congress has lost its steam; that it cannot fight the Modi juggernaut and the listlessness means soon Congress could be eased out of the national narrative. Apart from many leaving the party, those who stayed behind and are with the Congress often wonder what’s happening.

  Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Rajiv Satav are a few who have raised their voice against this.

  The problem before Sonia Gandhi remains the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to take charge. When recently, a year-old interview of Priyanka Vadra to a book surfaced in which she said she agreed with her brother on a non-Gandhi Congress president, there were alarm bells in the party. The Congress officially made a statement to say the old interview was being used to push an agenda and party workers and leaders accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

  At the CWC, it’s quite possible more voices may come up asking for Rahul Gandhi to take charge as it’s clear that Sonia Gandhi wants to hand over the reins. But what if he remains adamant? There is a proposal in place which could be implemented.

  There could be appointment of more than two vice-presidents to assist Sonia Gandhi. This is to address the concern that Congress needs a full-time president. But such an appointment could also ensure that Gandhis remain in control and the party continues to be headed by one of them, in this case Sonia Gandhi. Names which are doing the rounds are of Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Mallikarjun Kharge, but it’s quite possible that young leaders could be propped up.

  This apart, many new faces could be brought in for key posts and most of them are perceived to be close to Rahul Gandhi. Sushmita Dev and Manickam Tagore are some names doing the rounds.

  It would also be interesting to see whether Sachin Pilot is brought to the centre. While Pilot has made it clear that he sees Rajasthan as his ‘karam bhumi’ and CM Ashok Gehlot doesn’t want to leave the state yet, the Congress leadership could bring in Pilot to buy time till the committee submits its report.

  The caveat for all this is, of course, that the Congress needs to have the urge to solve this turmoil. For now, the restlessness becomes tough to ignore. Some like Jitin Prasada have formed a Brahmin Samaj and this is to capitalise on the 12% Brahmin vote bank which his party doesn’t seem to be concentrating on. Clearly, he wants to ensure that his politics stays alive.

  Few others who don’t want to leave the Congress are looking at ways to stay relevant. But the list of disillusioned leaders is long and growing, and many of these have at one point been influential or important in the scheme of things such as Milind Deora, Veerappa Moily, Anand Sharma, Ashwini Kumar, Salman Khurshid.

  Some chose to leave the party, like Jyotiraditya Scindia, some fought back and continue to do so like Sachin Pilot. But as new leaders are being propped up and Rahul Gandhi has his favourites, many feel left out and yet, want to stay in the party. The CWC brings some hope to them that things could change. But will the Congress and CWC once again shy away from taking a decision?

   

  Army's Gift of Sight: 250 veterans' visi…

  28-12-2024

  

  A team of Army doctors from various military hospitals restored the eyesight of more than 250 veterans in a three-day operation in Dehradun, utilizing advanced equipment. The initiative, proposed by...

  Read more

  'The food we eat is produced by the farm…

  28-12-2024

  

  Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk visited hunger-striking farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border protest site to show solidarity. Dallewal, 70, has been fasting since November 26 to demand...

  Read more

  Thank you & doodbye, Dr Sahab: Forme…

  28-12-2024

  

  Manmohan Singh's state funeral was conducted with full military honors, attended by politicians, dignitaries, and family members. Despite tensions between Congress and BJP over memorial sites, the event remained dignified...

  Read more

  Karnataka SIT files chargesheet, names B…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Karnataka CID's Special Investigation Team, probing rape charges against BJP MLA Munirathna Naidu and other allegations involving his associates, including a police official, has submitted a 2,481-page chargesheet. It...

  Read more

  High court sets up all-woman SIT to prob…

  28-12-2024

  

  Madras high court has formed an all-women SIT of IPS officers to probe the Anna University rape case and ordered Rs 25 lakh compensation to the survivor. The compensation will...

  Read more

  Single parent entitled to apply for mino…

  28-12-2024

  

  Telangana High Court ruled a single parent with custody can obtain a child's passport without the other parent's consent. Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya set aside a contrary requirement, finding it unnecessary...

  Read more

  2 held from Delhi's Batla House over Sam…

  28-12-2024

  

  Two youths linked to the Nov 24 Sambhal violence were arrested by UP police in Delhi's Batla House. They had reportedly sought refuge in Jamia. Police are investigating connections between...

  Read more

  Don't act as spokesperson of farm protes…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Supreme Court has warned the Punjab government of constitutional consequences after it expressed helplessness in hospitalizing farmer representative Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike at Shambhu...

  Read more

  High court flags 'grave lapses' in 60+ l…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench ordered a retrial in a rape case, citing non-compliance with Section 309 CrPC, which mandates day-to-day trials. Noting delays and lapses, the court emphasized...

  Read more

  Bhutan king, Mauritius minister lay wrea…

  28-12-2024

  

  Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful attended the funeral of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi. Bhutan held prayer ceremonies, flew its national...

  Read more

  MK Stalin: Government insulted Manmohan …

  28-12-2024

  

  Read more

  Wasn't there as a politician, says BJP's…

  28-12-2024

  

  At the state funeral of ex-PM Manmohan Singh, BJP member Manjinder Singh Sirsa and AAP RS MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney paid their respects through assistance with ceremonial rites. Sirsa, noting...

  Read more

  Bank staff, 3 others use idle IDs to sip…

  28-12-2024

  

  Karnataka police arrested an Axis Bank relationship manager and three others for embezzling over Rs 12 crore from Dreamplug Paytech Solutions Pvt Ltd via unauthorized access and manipulation of account...

  Read more

  Coal block allocation scam case against …

  28-12-2024

  

  Former PM Manmohan Singh's attempts to clear his name in an alleged irregular coal block allocation case remained unfulfilled as the Supreme Court stayed the trial court's summoning order. The...

  Read more

  When a 91-yr-old Manmohan Singh came to …

  28-12-2024

  

  Former PM Manmohan Singh, despite his advanced age of 91 and fragile health, showcased his unwavering commitment to the democratic process by attending Rajya Sabha proceedings in a wheelchair, including...

  Read more

  Congress's Partap Singh Bajwa demands Bh…

  28-12-2024

  

  Calls for posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to late former PM Manmohan Singh rose during his final journey. Punjab Congress' Partap Singh Bajwa emphasized Singh’s vital role in India’s economic reforms...

  Read more

  Pranab Mukherjee's daughter, PV Narasim…

  28-12-2024

  

  Sharmistha Mukherjee criticizes Congress for not holding a CWC meeting or passing a condolence resolution after former President Pranab Mukherjee's death. She highlights Congress's treatment of former PM Manmohan Singh...

  Read more

  SAD, AAP join Congress in seeking memori…

  28-12-2024

  

  The funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sparked controversy as Congress, AAP, and SAD decried the government's decision to cremate him at Nigambodh Ghat instead of Rajghat. They highlighted...

  Read more

  Protocol eased for Sonia & Priyanka…

  28-12-2024

  

  During Dr Manmohan Singh's funeral, the government made a rare exception to allow Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to lay wreaths. Despite not being on the original list, protocol officials...

  Read more

  Seating arrangement at Manmohan Singh's …

  28-12-2024

  

  The seating at the Nigambodh Ghat state funeral for Manmohan Singh was notably divided with government officials led by PM Modi on one side and Congress leaders on the other...

  Read more
• Who Will be Next Congress President? Reports of 'Sonia Gandhi Resigning False', Says Randeep Surjewala
  in National

  

  New Delhi, August 23: Congress' national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed the reports which claimed on Sunday that Sonia Gandhi would step down from her position of party president.

  The seniormost Gandhi family member was appointed at the helm n August last year, after her son Rahul Gandhi had stepped down following the humiliating defeat in 2019 general elections.

  "Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false," said Surjewala, whose statement is considered as the official word of the party. Congress President Row: Veterans Back Sonia Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot Says Letter of Dissent 'Unbelievable'.
  

  Surjewala's clarification came amid reports claiming that Gandhi has replied to a letter of dissent sent to her by around 23 seniormost party leaders. The dissenters have sought a complete overhaul of the party structure to re-energise the cadres and end the spree of poll defeats. Gandhi, in her reply, reportedly asked them to "get together and elect a new president".

  Update by ANI 

  Who Will be Next Congress President?

  While a section of party old guard including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have led their weight behind Sonia Gandhi, a number of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs have demanded the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

  Sonia, 73, was given a one-year interim role as party chief last year after no one came forth to claim the presidency following her son's exit. The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is scheduled to convene tomorrow for a top-level meeting, will take a final call on the next leader, reports said.

   

   

  Army's Gift of Sight: 250 veterans' visi…

  28-12-2024

  

  A team of Army doctors from various military hospitals restored the eyesight of more than 250 veterans in a three-day operation in Dehradun, utilizing advanced equipment. The initiative, proposed by...

  Read more

  'The food we eat is produced by the farm…

  28-12-2024

  

  Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk visited hunger-striking farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border protest site to show solidarity. Dallewal, 70, has been fasting since November 26 to demand...

  Read more

  Thank you & doodbye, Dr Sahab: Forme…

  28-12-2024

  

  Manmohan Singh's state funeral was conducted with full military honors, attended by politicians, dignitaries, and family members. Despite tensions between Congress and BJP over memorial sites, the event remained dignified...

  Read more

  Karnataka SIT files chargesheet, names B…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Karnataka CID's Special Investigation Team, probing rape charges against BJP MLA Munirathna Naidu and other allegations involving his associates, including a police official, has submitted a 2,481-page chargesheet. It...

  Read more

  High court sets up all-woman SIT to prob…

  28-12-2024

  

  Madras high court has formed an all-women SIT of IPS officers to probe the Anna University rape case and ordered Rs 25 lakh compensation to the survivor. The compensation will...

  Read more

  Single parent entitled to apply for mino…

  28-12-2024

  

  Telangana High Court ruled a single parent with custody can obtain a child's passport without the other parent's consent. Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya set aside a contrary requirement, finding it unnecessary...

  Read more

  2 held from Delhi's Batla House over Sam…

  28-12-2024

  

  Two youths linked to the Nov 24 Sambhal violence were arrested by UP police in Delhi's Batla House. They had reportedly sought refuge in Jamia. Police are investigating connections between...

  Read more

  Don't act as spokesperson of farm protes…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Supreme Court has warned the Punjab government of constitutional consequences after it expressed helplessness in hospitalizing farmer representative Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike at Shambhu...

  Read more

  High court flags 'grave lapses' in 60+ l…

  28-12-2024

  

  The Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench ordered a retrial in a rape case, citing non-compliance with Section 309 CrPC, which mandates day-to-day trials. Noting delays and lapses, the court emphasized...

  Read more

  Bhutan king, Mauritius minister lay wrea…

  28-12-2024

  

  Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful attended the funeral of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi. Bhutan held prayer ceremonies, flew its national...

  Read more

  MK Stalin: Government insulted Manmohan …

  28-12-2024

  

  Read more

  Wasn't there as a politician, says BJP's…

  28-12-2024

  

  At the state funeral of ex-PM Manmohan Singh, BJP member Manjinder Singh Sirsa and AAP RS MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney paid their respects through assistance with ceremonial rites. Sirsa, noting...

  Read more

  Bank staff, 3 others use idle IDs to sip…

  28-12-2024

  

  Karnataka police arrested an Axis Bank relationship manager and three others for embezzling over Rs 12 crore from Dreamplug Paytech Solutions Pvt Ltd via unauthorized access and manipulation of account...

  Read more

  Coal block allocation scam case against …

  28-12-2024

  

  Former PM Manmohan Singh's attempts to clear his name in an alleged irregular coal block allocation case remained unfulfilled as the Supreme Court stayed the trial court's summoning order. The...

  Read more

  When a 91-yr-old Manmohan Singh came to …

  28-12-2024

  

  Former PM Manmohan Singh, despite his advanced age of 91 and fragile health, showcased his unwavering commitment to the democratic process by attending Rajya Sabha proceedings in a wheelchair, including...

  Read more

  Congress's Partap Singh Bajwa demands Bh…

  28-12-2024

  

  Calls for posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to late former PM Manmohan Singh rose during his final journey. Punjab Congress' Partap Singh Bajwa emphasized Singh’s vital role in India’s economic reforms...

  Read more

  Pranab Mukherjee's daughter, PV Narasim…

  28-12-2024

  

  Sharmistha Mukherjee criticizes Congress for not holding a CWC meeting or passing a condolence resolution after former President Pranab Mukherjee's death. She highlights Congress's treatment of former PM Manmohan Singh...

  Read more

  SAD, AAP join Congress in seeking memori…

  28-12-2024

  

  The funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sparked controversy as Congress, AAP, and SAD decried the government's decision to cremate him at Nigambodh Ghat instead of Rajghat. They highlighted...

  Read more

  Protocol eased for Sonia & Priyanka…

  28-12-2024

  

  During Dr Manmohan Singh's funeral, the government made a rare exception to allow Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to lay wreaths. Despite not being on the original list, protocol officials...

  Read more

  Seating arrangement at Manmohan Singh's …

  28-12-2024

  

  The seating at the Nigambodh Ghat state funeral for Manmohan Singh was notably divided with government officials led by PM Modi on one side and Congress leaders on the other...

  Read more
• No Pilots For Rafale Jets – Why Is The Indian Air Force Facing An Acute Shortage Of Trained Pilots?
  in International

  

  As India is in the process of overhauling its airforce with the latest Rafale jets and additional MiG-29 and SU-30 MKIs, an RTI (Request To Information) filed by India Today

   reveals that in that last 10 years, 798 Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have resigned and 289 of these pilots were given No-objection Certificates (NOC) to fly private airlines.

  New Delhi has been upgrading the military equipment and even purchasing modern combat aircraft to strengthen the IAF. The newly acquired Rafale jets are ready to be inducted in a high profile ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defense minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala where the first five aircraft have been stationed. 

  However, in 2016 and 2017, IAF saw the worst years when 100 and 114 pilots respectively quit the IAF. In 2015, only 37 pilots had quit before superannuation. With an average of 80 pilots quitting the IAF every year, it could be facing an acute shortage of pilots.On February 1, 2018, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that the IAF had 3,855 pilots against a sanctioned strength of 4,231. There was a shortage of 376 pilots which reflects poorly on the preparedness of the IAF. 

  Of the pilots that quit, more than one-third of them received the NOC to fly private airlines. As per reports, a middle rung pilot earns up to Rs 2 lakh ($2700) in salary per month and can get four times the amount flying with a private airline.Most pilots quit after 20 years of service which makes them eligible for a pension.

  “The IAF way of life is very good and apart from the salary, there are several intangible benefits. But my workload is far less as a private airlines pilot and there’s nothing to complain about the remuneration. As captain, I am responsible for everything after the aircraft door closes and once it opens, my job is over,” said an IAF officer who recently quit service and took up a job in a private airline and didn’t wish to be named.

  HT reported in February this year, that IAF is working on measures to prevent its pilots from leaving the service and joining private airlines that offer better salaries and perquisites. Even though the report didn’t mention any specific measure, it said that they will be made shortly, and could involve cooling-off periods and changes in pension plans.

  

  The RTI also asked about if such changes are being introduced. “Has the Indian Air Force evolved or is working on any policy to stop their pilots from quitting and joining private airlines. If yes, what is that?” In response to the query in the RTI, IAF said that there exists no such plans or policies. 

  Experts have said that it is important for the IAF to retain its pilots. “A pilot gets into operational flying after training for almost 250 to 300 hours in different aircraft. That costs a lot of money. You cannot afford to let trained people go. Other global air forces are also struggling with the same issues,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director-general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

   

   

  Missing girl's skeletal remains identifi…

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  Watch: Moment when plane skidded off run…

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• Turkey Signs Another Contract With Russia For S-400 Missile Defense Systems
  in International

  

  Turkey has again signed a contract with Russia to acquire additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

  This would be a second deal between Moscow and Ankara for the S-400 missile systems. Turkey has already received two batteries of the S-400s worth $2.5 billion, a deal which was inked in April 2017.

  Speaking to reporters, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport chief Alexander Mikheyev said “The contract has been signed”, and stated that the parties shall now discuss the financial terms of the contract.

  He further said that the timeframe of implementing the contract would depend “on our partners’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project”.

  Turkey, being the first NATO member country to have received the S-400 air defense system, has damaged its reputation among NATO members and severely strained ties with Washington.

  Due to the deal, Washington kicked-out Turkey out from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program – which means it won’t be getting any American 5th generation fighters and could instead look at Russian Su-35 jets.Instead of trying to resolve matters with the United States, Erdogan has pushed forward for a second deal for the S-400.

  Past talks between Turkey and the U.S. on the acquisition of the Patriot air defense system had fallen over a large group of issues, from the accessibility of S-400s to Ankara’s disappointment with Washington’s terms and conditions.Turkey has said it will possibly consent to an offer if it incorporates terms for indigenous production and transfer of technology.

  Ankara has more than once emphasized that it was the U.S.’ refusal to sell it Patriots that drove it to search out different vendors, adding that Russia offered a superior deal, including the transfer of technology.  Turkey even proposed setting up a commission to explain any specialized issues, yet the U.S. has so far not reacted to this proposition.According to TASS, the S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.