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The imposition of US sanctions on the supply of Russian S-400s against the Directorate of Defense Industries (SSB), an organization under the direct supervision of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, could have a significant impact on Turkey’s national defense industry.
The SSB is responsible for a number of very important projects, notably the “crown” of the Turkish defense industry, the Bayraktar UAVs. This type of UAV came under attack about two months ago when Canada decided to ban the export of critical weapons systems to Turkey, causing the Bayraktar TB-2 to lose access to surveillance and targeting systems and sensors, which the manufacturer was supplied by the Canadian L3Harris WESCAM, a subsidiary of the US L3 Harris.
In practice, the provision for the prohibition of the export of licenses of US technology or systems to the Turkish SSB, as provided in the sanctions imposed by the US Department of the Treasury, could cause significant problems in the implementation of various transactions for Turkey. In particular, the inclusion of a Turkish organization like CAATSA is daunting for potential buyers of SSB systems.
In fact, the Turks will not be able to use American technology for either imports or exports, and the value of the political message to Europeans should not diminish. It should be noted that the projects implemented under SSB auspices include the ANKA-type UAVs, the Gokturk satellites, the German-designed Type 214 submarine, the Spanish-designed Anadolu helicopter carrier and the “national” corvette (MILGEM).
The US sanctions follow a two-year legislative “freeze” on exports to Turkey, which was promoted without much blow last August by a multi-party senator. Another indication of the cross-party agreement on the need for sanctions on Turkey is the turn of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, previously opposed to any action against Ankara. Graham said he had “strong support” for the sanctions, saying they were the sole responsibility of Turkish officials.
It should be noted that yesterday the secretary-general expressed concern about Turkey’s decision to buy Russian S-400 missiles. of NATO Jens Stoltenberg. “I am sorry because we are in a situation where NATO allies must impose sanctions on each other.” “I also expressed my concern about Turkey’s decision to take the Russian S-400s,” Stoltenberg said, adding that “this is a national decision, but the S-400 system is not compatible with NATO systems.” .
In Turkey, all parliamentary parties, except the Kurdish HDP, have condemned the US sanctions. A joint statement by four of the five parliamentary parties stressed that “Turkey will never hesitate to take the necessary measures to protect its national security”, while urging the United States to “reject this grave mistake immediately.” Yesterday, however, Mr Erdogan spoke, at his request, with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. Mr. Michel highlighted the need for a continuous and deep reduction, as well as the resumption of exploratory contacts with Greece.
In addition, yesterday, the Secretary of State of the United States, Mike Pompeo, resumed the attacks against Russia, saying that it “threatens the stability of the Mediterranean” and “spreads chaos” in the region. In fact, Pompeo recalled, among other things, the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Athens in 2018. “Russia continues to threaten stability in the Mediterranean by using many techniques to spread misinformation, undermine national sovereignty and disperse” conflicts. and division in the countries of the region, “said Mr. Pompeo.
Varosia
Finally, it should be noted that the scientific service of the Federal Parliament of Germany was of the opinion that the opening of parts of Varosia by the Turkish Cypriot side is contrary to international law. Left-wing MP (Die Linke) Sevim Dagdelen, who asked for his opinion, called for a full arms embargo and the termination of financial aid.
