Turkish defense ministry says first parts of S-400 delivered
Turkey’s defence ministry said the first parts of the S-400
Russian missile defence systems were delivered to Ankara on Friday.
Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian system is a source of
tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States.
“The delivery of parts belonging to the system will continue
in the coming days,” Turkey’s Defense Industry Directorate said separately.
“Once the system is completely ready, it will begin to be
used in a way determined by the relevant authorities,” he added.
President Tayyip Erdogan said after meeting President Donald
Trump at a G20 summit last month that the United States did not plan to impose
sanctions on Ankara for buying the S-400s. Trump said Turkey had not been
treated fairly but did not rule out sanctions.
The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with
NATO’s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth
fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.
Under possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion
from the F-35 programme, a move Erdogan has dismissed. But Washington has
already started the process of removing Turkey from the F-35 programme, halting
training of Turkish pilots in the United States on the aircraft.
