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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed on Friday that his country had carried out a first test of the Russian S-400 defense system and rejected American criticism about it, saying that he would not seek the opinion of the United States, reports AFP.
“These tests, it is true, have been carried out and will continue,” said the Turkish head of state in Istanbul. “We will not ask the United States for this,” he added in response to criticism from Washington.
Turkish media claimed that Turkey carried out the first test of the S-400 system on October 16, the acquisition of which by Ankara drew the ire of the United States and other Turkish allies within NATO. Until now, this test has never been officially confirmed.
“Greece (also a NATO member) has S-400 systems and uses them. Does the United States say anything about this? No. The fact that they have Russian weapons annoys these gentlemen, but we are determined to continue using them.” Erdogan said.
According to the media, the tests of the S-400 system were carried out in Sinop province, in northern Turkey.
“If confirmed, we condemn in the strongest terms the test firing of the S-400, which is inconsistent with Turkey’s responsibilities as a NATO ally and strategic partner of the United States,” said US Foreign Minister Morgan Ortagus. .
“The United States has made it clear that it does not want the S-400 system to go into operation. And we have clearly warned of the possible serious consequences for our security relations if Turkey activates the system,” he added.
The acquisition by Turkey of the S-400 systems, in a context of rapprochement between Ankara and Moscow, has caused friction with several Western countries, highlighting the incompatibility of these Russian systems with NATO devices.
In response to the delivery of the first battery, last year, the United States suspended Turkey’s participation in the program to manufacture the last American F-35 fighter jet, believing that the S-400 could jeopardize technological secrets.
The United States has also threatened Ankara with sanctions if the S-400 is activated. Information about this test immediately prompted sanctions supporters to ask the United States government to act.
Ankara justified the acquisition of Russian systems by saying that the United States refused to sell its US Patriot anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense system.
Editing: Alexandru Costea
