Turkey denies reports the US threatened to stop supply of F-35 fighters if Ankara purchases S-400 missile systems from Russia
The US did not issue ultimatums to Turkey because of the purchase of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, reports RIA Novosti with reference to Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
Akar said that the information that the US threatened to ban Turkey from the F-35 program if it does not refuse the deal to buy Russian missile systems is not accurate.
The Minister noted that Turkey has fully paid for the supply of F-35 fighters, the aircraft have already been delivered, and now the pilots are learning to fly them.
The United States has repeatedly threatened Turkey with sanctions if it will buy Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems. One of the possible consequences from the American side was reportedly the delay or cancellation of F-35 sale.