Turkey announces disagreements with Russia and delays in delivery of S-400 missile systems
The delivery of the next batch of Russian S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile system to Turkey may be delayed due to disagreements between the parties regarding the issue of technology transfer, reports Defense News publication, citing the statement of the Head of the Turkish Secretariat for Defense Industries, İsmail Demir.
"Technical work continues. We are making plans for the next year. Unlike the first [batch], we plan to participate in co-production and transfer technology with the second batch of missile systems. This goes beyond the "let's quickly buy and install" as it was with the acquisition of the first batch of the missile systems," said Demir.
The publication also cited the comment of an unnamed Turkish expert, according to which the delay of the next delivery of the S-400 Triumph missile system could be planned initially to soften relations between Ankara and Washington, as the USA doesn't want NATO member to be equipped with Russian weapons.
The supply of Russian S-400 to Turkey began in mid-July. Ankara's purchase of Russian weapons has caused a crisis in relations between Turkey and the United States. As a result, Washington excluded Turkey from the program of production and acquisition of F-35 fighter jets.