Erdogan: Turkey’s purchase of S-400 missile systems from Russia does not impact NATO security
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a rally in Diyarbakir, which was broadcast by TRT TV channel on Saturday, that the purchase of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems does not impact the security of NATO, the United States or fifth-generation F-35 fighters, which Turkey expects to receive from Washington.
Erdogan emphasized that "the terms of use of Russian S-400s are not being concealed”. The Turkish President expressed hope that problems in relations between Ankara and Washington due to the purchase of air defense systems from Russia "will be resolved in the same way as it was done with other issues."
On Friday, Pentagon Press Secretary Charlie Summers said that Turkey would face "grave consequences" in military relations between Washington and Ankara if it purchases the S-400 missile systems from Russia. He emphasized that the purchase of the systems would affect the USA’s planned sale to Turkey of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems and F-35 fighter aircraft.
On Tuesday, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said that the purchase of Russian S-400s could prompt the US government to reconsider Ankara’s participation in the F-35 program, the rejection of other potential arms agreements in the future and sanctions in accordance with the CAATSA, Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.