Asked about the progress in building the S-500 surface-to-air missile system, Lt. Gen. Victor Gumenny, the commander of the Russian Air Force, said the military will start receiving the weapon “closer to 2020.” The S-500 is an advanced air defense system developed by Almaz-Antey, and is expected to be the world’s most powerful weapon of its kind. Source RT
Germany will not be sending any more ships to take part in the anti-people smuggling operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea, according to a senior military office. Source: Deutsche Welle
A Turkish charity group is building the biggest mosque of the Balkans in the Albanian capital Tirana, according to a statement on Friday.
In a written statement, the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) — linked to the state Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) — said the Namazgah Mosque will be completed and open for worship by the end of this year. Source: Anadolu Agency
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, stoking a war of words between Rome and Paris, said on Tuesday that France did not want to bring calm to Libya because its energy interests there clashed with those of Italy. Source Channel New Asia
