Turkey defends its plan to purchase Russian missile system
(VOVWORLD) - Turkey's deal to buy Russian S-400 missile defense systems had nothing to do with the security of the US, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, a day after Washington warned Ankara of grave consequences if it goes on with the deal.
 Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile launching system is displayed at the exposition field in Kubinka Patriot Park outside Moscow. (Photo: Alexander Nemeno/AFP) |
Erdogan said this issue has nothing to do whatsoever with NATO or the F-35 project of the US. It was not about the S-400s but about Turkey taking actions on its own accord, especially in Syria, he added.
Washington has raised questions over the equipment's compatibility with the NATO's established weapon systems. The US believes the S-400 sale is part of Russian efforts to disrupt the alliance.