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The Pentagon is warning Ankara of “dire consequences” due to testing of Russia’s S-400 defense system:
The United States warned on Friday that relations with Ankara could be severely affected by Turkey’s recent tests of Russia’s S-400 defense system, AFP reports.
“The United States Department of Defense strongly condemns the October 16 test of Turkey’s S-400 air defense system, a test confirmed today by President Erdogan,” said Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman.
“Our position has always been clear and unchanged: an S-400 operating system is not compatible with Turkey’s commitments as an ally of the United States and NATO,” Hoffman added.
“We are opposed to Turkey testing this system. It could have serious consequences for our defense relations,” the Pentagon spokesman continued.
Why the United States Opposes the Use of S-400 Missiles
The Turkish press reported on October 16 that the first test of the S-400 had been completed, the acquisition of which by Ankara deeply displeased the United States and other Turkish allies in NATO. The test was officially confirmed for the first time on Friday by President Erdogan. “It is true, these tests have been carried out and will continue,” the Turkish head of state told reporters in Istanbul. We will not ask the United States for it. “
The acquisition of the S-400 system, in a context of Turkey’s rapprochement with Russia, has caused friction in Ankara’s relations with several Western countries, which have highlighted the incompatibility of the Russian production system with NATO devices.
What steps have the Americans already taken against Turkey?
In response to the delivery of the first battery last year, the United States suspended Turkey’s participation in the F-35’s next-generation fighter jet program, believing that the S-400 could reveal its technological secrets.
“Turkey has already been suspended from the F-35 program, and the S-400 remains a major barrier to any progress in other areas of our bilateral relations,” Hoffman concluded.
Washington also threatened Ankara with sanctions for activating the S-400 defense system.
Information about the recent test prompted supporters of Turkey’s sanctions to ask the US executive to take action.
