Turkey refuses to break off a deal with Russia for the supply of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems. This was stated by the President of the Republic, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports “Interfax”.
“We took steps to acquire American F-35 fighters, we paid money, the United States did not supply it, demanding that the S-400 be returned to Russia, but we are not a tribal state, we are Turkey. We are not afraid of US sanctions, ”he said.
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.
Tests of Russian air defense systems in Turkey took place on October 16. During the tests, three missiles were launched, which successfully intercepted three targets. Presumably, the targets of the Turkish S-400 “Triumph” were British-made Banshee drones.
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 complexes in return, threatening to delay or even cancel the sale of the latest F-35 fighters to Turkey.
