Turkey invites its NATO partners to work together to look for alternative solutions and technical measures for the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile system (SAM), said spokesman for the Turkish defense ministry, Lt. Col. Nadide Sebnem Aktop. Her words are quoted by TASS.
“Like the S-300, which are used by other NATO allies, the S-400 systems will operate independently and without integration into the NATO command system. The assertions that Turkey, which fulfills all its obligations within NATO, is acting in spite of NATO, are incorrect, ”added the representative of the Ministry of Defense, noting that Ankara only wants to ensure the safety of its people.
On October 17, it was reported that the latest tests by Turkey of the S-400 “Triumph”, taking place against the background of growing tensions in the country's relations with Greece and NATO, will further increase the split between Ankara and its allies in the alliance. According to Breaking Defense, US and NATO officials have complained that Russian radar is endangering the alliance's aircraft as the system can send operational information back to the Russian military.
Earlier in October, US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortegus warned Turkey of serious consequences if it deployed Russian S-400s. According to her, Washington hopes that the complexes will not be used, and makes it clear.
The deliveries of the S-400, which caused a crisis in Turkey's relations with the United States, began in mid-July 2019. Washington demanded to abandon the deal and purchase American Patriot systems in return, threatening to delay or even cancel the sale of the latest F-35 fighters to Turkey.
