Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Monday denied claims the US gave Turkey a deadline to reconsider buying the S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia.
“TURKEY HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY SUCH DEADLINE”
Speaking to local Haberturk channel, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey has not been given any such deadline. About measures Turkey would take in case of possible sanctions from the US over Ankara’s procurement of S-400 missile defense system from Moscow, Akar refused to comment on “assumptions.” “We are carrying out activities in a way that will completely fulfill the responsibilities given to us,” Akar said, adding that Turkey made full payment for F-35 fighter jets to Washington.
Tensions between the US and Turkey have reached a fever pitch in recent months with Turkey set to begin receiving the advanced S-400 Russian surface-to-air missile system which Washington said will jeopardize Turkey’s role in the US F-35 fighter jet program and could trigger congressional sanctions.
Akar said four F-35 fighter jets have already been delivered to Turkey and their activities are ongoing at the base in the US. “Training of our four pilots is underway and hundreds of sergeants got maintenance training and returned [to Turkey],” he said, adding that 37 personnel were recently trained.
The US has already suspended deliveries of parts and services related to Turkey’s receipt of the multi-million-dollar fighter jets.
Following protracted efforts to purchase an air defense system from the US with no success, Ankara decided in 2017 to purchase the Russian S-400 system.
US officials advised Turkey to buy the US Patriot missile system rather than the S-400s from Moscow, arguing the Russian system would be incompatible with NATO systems and expose the F-35 to possible Russian subterfuge. Turkey, however, emphasized the S-400 would not be integrated into NATO systems and would not pose a threat to the alliance.
S-400 missile system VIDEO
