This week, Turkey received its second shipment of components which will makes its newly acquired Russian-made S-400s SAM missile defense system operational. Citing concerns of Russian access to NATO defense secrets, US lawmakers have responded with demands of immediate economic sanctions against Turkey.
While Pentagon brass have remained relatively silent on the issue, political leaders in Washington fear that the integration of the S-400s into Turkish defense could somehow compromise the tactical advantage of the US-built F-35 fighter jet.
President Erdogan
US House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Eliot Engel (D-NY) and ranking member Michael McCaul (R-TX) believe that Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan should be punished for receiving the Russian shipment stating that, “President Erdogan was given a very clear choice. Unfortunately, he has clearly made the wrong one. That a NATO ally would choose to side with Russia and Vladimir Putin over the alliance and closer cooperation with the United States is hard to fathom.”
According to officials in Ankara, the acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system was “not a choice but a necessity,” as Turkey believes it is under threat.
Welcome to #Turkey Russian-made #S400 air defense system: Tough times for #Greece ahead. pic.twitter.com/Jat8kITJr9
— Ali Özkök (@Ozkok_A) July 12, 2019
In a phone conversation between Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and Washington’s acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Akar insists that his country is “under serious threat” from Kurdish militants and other possible threats, meaning that the S-400s were necessary for achieving its security goals.
Regardless of Turkey;s concerns, the move has the potential to cause a major rift with long time allies Washington.
Turkey's Defense Ministry issues a lengthy 300+ word on the record readout of the Esper-Akar call, saying that the S-400 & the security situation in NE Syria were discussed. The Pentagon issued a one sentence statement on background saying the call happened & it lasted 30 minutes https://t.co/yb3GoSa12w
— Ryan Browne (@rabrowne75) July 12, 2019
Earlier this year, US threatened to cancel Turkey’s involvement in Lockheed Martin’s multinational F-35 fighter project – which could result in major financial and political complications for both countries.
READ MORE TURKEY NEWS: 21st Century Wire Turkey Files
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