Erdogan recommits to buying Russian missiles despite US warnings
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reaffirmed his commitment to buy a Russian missile system in the face of renewed warnings from NATO ally the United States, Voice of America reports.
Erdogan is blaming Washington for the deepening crisis over the procurement of Russia's S-400 missile system. The Turkish president says the missiles are the most cost-effective solution for the country's defense needs.
"Having the S-400 from Russia is an outcome of this pursuit," Erdogan declared to supporters Monday. "Now [Washington], you tell us to give up purchasing the S-400 [but] … don't provide us joint production and financial support."
Washington is offering its Patriot missile system as an alternative to the S-400, but talks have stalled over sharing of technology and price.
Turkey's NATO allies warn the S-400 compromises its defense systems. America's advanced F-35 fighter jet is seen as particularly vulnerable, given that Ankara is part of the international consortium building the plane.
Related news
- US again urges Turkey not to buy Russian S-400s
- US may dump Patriot sales to Turkey in event of Russian S-400 purchase – report
- Turkey to not allow US to inspect Russian S-400 missile systems
- Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400s 'done deal', FM says
- NATO chief describes Turkey's purchase of S-400 as ‘challenge’