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The US Department of Defense said it is aware of reports about Turkey’s possible test of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system, warning of the impact this will have on relations between Washington and Ankara.
Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement that if these reports were true, the United States strongly condemned this test. He added that the system does not meet Turkey’s obligations as an ally of the United States and NATO, noting that “Washington has opposed Ankara’s purchase of the system and is deeply concerned by reports that it is operating it.” .
Hoffman warned that the activation of this system would have “dire” consequences for the security relationship between the two countries, recalling the suspension of Turkey’s participation in the F-35 combat program.
US lawmakers suspect that Turkey has operated the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile system to track F-16 fighters from NATO member countries.
On Friday, Turkish media confirmed that Ankara had carried out the first test of the Russian system. “If confirmed, we will condemn in the strongest terms the S-400 missile test that is inconsistent with Turkey’s responsibilities as a NATO ally and strategic partner of the United States,” said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.
“The United States has clearly stated that it does not want to activate the S-400 system,” he added in a statement sent to “France Press.” “We have clearly warned of the potentially serious repercussions on our relations in the security field if Turkey activates the system.”
According to pro-government television “Khobar”, the Turkish army tested a missile of the “S-400” system in Sinop. The Turkish Defense Minister refused to confirm or deny the missile launch.
Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 system in the context of its rapprochement with Moscow has sparked disputes with Western countries who say the Russian system is not compatible with NATO equipment.
In response to the delivery of the first battery last year, the United States suspended Turkey’s participation in the program to make modern American warplanes, “F-35”, saying that the “S-400” could have them revealed its technological secrets.
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