Turkish Black Sea Notam (II)
Turkiye: Domineering Economic and Military Power of the Region
Turkiye is the domineering economic and military power of the region. In the north, there is the Russian Federation. In Europe, there is the European Community where Germany is the economic engine. Together with Turkiye, all three make up the pillars of the “Balance of Power'' in the Old Continent. Turkish Black Sea Notam in that respect must be viewed, nothing but what it is announced for: Turkish pillar solidifying its air defense system.
THE BALANCE OF POWER IN THE REGION
The “region” extends from Europe to the Caucasus. It also includes the entire Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean basin.
Turks have been an integral part of it for more than 1000 years. The key to their longevity in such a volatile region has not been the Byzantine walls but the balance of power.
Turks learned how to establish it, not only in Europe but also in the Middle East. That is how they controlled the entire region despite the powerful empires they bordered.
Nothing has changed for Turks. They still maintain a balance of power with new players in place. As a result, not only they endure but also excel.
Turkish Black Sea Notam
A Lesson For the Ages
Apart from history lessons, here is, also, Political Science 101. Turkish Black Sea Notam basically makes a clear cut point. The balance of power in the region will be maintained with an indigenous air defense system, called Siper.
Turkiye first sought to maintain it with the US Patriots instead of venturing full speed with Siper. Unfortunately, the US Senate did not have the wisdom or the vision. Turkiye was left with no choice but to do what is right for the security.
The US did not give Turkiye Patriot Defensive Batteries to defend itself against potential threats in the region.
Consequently, Turkiye was left with no choice but to buy S-400s, the best air defense system in the world from Russia.
After that, Turkiye continued with research and development. No sooner it build Siper that now plans to test fire.
Turkish Siper Air Defense System
Better Than Patriots, S-400s, But Also S-500s
Siper, the Turkish long-range air defence system, will be tested one final time before mass production.
Last test hit a target in the 100 km range. This test requires 840 km Notam. So, the entire Black Sea will be used.
Siper is expected to be more advanced than Russia’s newest S-500s. The US Patriots, reportedly, does not fare well against Russia’s S-400s.
Turkish Black Sea Notam
Worse Turkish News Yet To Come
Turkish Black Sea Notam, in fact, notes the magnitude of the calamity. The range of this Notam is indicative that Siper is more advanced than the test will confirm.
840 KM Notam Is Not It
840 km range for Notam indicates how much fuel capacity Siper has.
That means Cairo, Moscow, Vienna, and Basra are already within the range.
If Turkiye had waited, it could have used Scotland or Somalia for the test.
The true range of Siper will not be known until it is tested in vast oceans.
Only A Warning Shot From Turkiye
In that respect, until then, it is wise to take this Notam as a serious warning.
Test firing Siper will prove that the system with significant long range accuracy.
As a result, fear factor will already be established among adversaries.
I will focus on the Western fears and how Russia benefits from this Notam, next.
Click here for the first episode on this Turkish Black Sea Notam chapter.