S-400
Turkey will use the S-400 missile defense (ABM) systems only in the event of a threat to its own security. The conditions for the use of weapons purchased from Russia were named by Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper.
The Turkish minister recalled that Ankara wanted to acquire Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems from the United States, but this did not work out “for a number of reasons,” after which Turkey decided to acquire Russian missile defense systems. The official stressed that the decision to purchase the S-400 is the “sovereign right” of the republic.
“The S-400 systems will only be used in the event of a threat or danger. They will not pose a threat to those who have no intention of attacking Turkey, ”said Akar. The minister stressed that the imposition of sanctions by the United States over the supply of Russian weapons is contrary to the spirit of partnership.
Deliveries of the S-400, which caused a crisis in relations between Turkey and the United States, began in mid-July 2019. Washington demanded to abandon the deal and purchase American Patriot complexes in return, threatening to delay or even cancel the sale of fifth-generation F-35 fighters to Ankara.
