Turkey says no delay in delivery of S-400s from Russia
The delivery schedule for Russia’s S-400 missile defense systems to Turkey is continuing as planned, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said on Friday, dismissing reports that Ankara was evaluating a delay in response to U.S. concerns, Reuters reported.
Turkey’s purchase of the Russian systems has strained its already tense ties with the United States, a NATO ally, which says the S-400s are not compatible with the alliance’s defense network and pose a threat to F-35 stealth fighter jets which Turkey is due to receive.
Ankara has since proposed forming a working group to assess the U.S. concerns, but has yet to hear back from Washington on that proposal. The United States has warned of sanctions if Turkey presses ahead with the deal.
On Monday, broadcaster Haberturk quoted Akar as saying that the delivery of the S-400s may not happen in June, when Turkey previously said the missiles could arrive, but added the agreement was a done deal.
Aksoy said that procurement of the S-400 systems was continuing as scheduled and the working group offer was still on the table.
“Reports in some media outlets about Turkey evaluating delaying the S-400 procurement upon the request of the United States do not reflect the truth,” he said in a statement. “The process of procuring S-400s from Russia is continuing as planned.”
Objecting to the purchase, the United States in late March halted delivery of equipment related to the F-35 to Turkey, which is both a buyer and a production partner in the program. The move was the first concrete step of what could eventually be the full removal of Turkey from the F-35 program.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to meet on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Japan next month, the Turkish presidency said, adding that Erdogan had reiterated Turkey’s working group offer during their phone call.
Related news
- Turkey offers Trump joint review of Russian S-400 threat
- Germany 'concerned' about Turkey’s S-400 purchase – ambassador
- Russian S-400 missile systems to ensure Turkey's security, defense minister says
- Pentagon nixes Turkish offer to address S-400 fears
- US suspends F-35 deliveries to Turkey over S-400 deal
- Russian S-400 missile purchase a done deal, Turkey's Erdogan says
- US again urges Turkey not to buy Russian S-400s
- NATO chief describes Turkey's purchase of S-400 as ‘challenge’