Turkey will begin to install Russian S-400 missile systems in October: Defense minister

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar says the country will start installment of the advanced Russian-built S-400 air defense missile systems later this year, regardless of strong opposition from the United States to the plan and warnings that Ankara should not buy the platform.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the official Anadolu news agency on Friday, Akar said the systems would begin to be installed in October, adding that personnel from the Turkish Air Force are studying where to deploy the missiles.

Akar said Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 is “not a choice but a necessity.”

On Thursday, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said the purchase decision was only based on Turkey's own interests, stressing that Ankara will not give up the deal in the face of Washington’s opposition.

PressTV-‘Turkey seeks own interests in Russia S-400 deal’

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay says Ankara pursues its own interests in purchasing the Russian S-400 missile defense systems.

“Turkey does what is necessary for its own interests regarding the S-400 missile defense system, it takes own decision and choice,” Oktay told Anadolu, adding that Ankara will  not renege on its agreement with Russia.

“In any case [about purchasing of S-400 defense system from Russia], we would do what it requires, especially if we signed a deal,” the Turkish official emphasized.

On Wednesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would never go back from the deal, adding that Ankara may subsequently look into buying S-500 systems.

PressTV-Erdogan: Turkey won't cancel S-400 deal with Russia

Turkish president says his country will not go back on its agreement to buy S-400 missile defense systems from Russia, despite pressures from the United States.

In an interview with Turkish-language 24 television news network, Erdogan said the United States should not try to discipline Turkey through trade measures, adding that Ankara had its own penalties prepared.

Robert Palladino, deputy spokesman for the US State Department, warned on March 5 that “acquisition of the S-400 will result in a reassessment of Turkey's participation in the F-35 (fighter jet) program, and risk other potential future arms transfers to Turkey.”

The comments came on the same day that the head of the US European Command, General Curtis Scaparrotti, told members of the Senate Committee on Armed Services that the United States should not follow through with a multi-billion dollar weapons sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, if Ankara takes delivery of the S-400.

PressTV-Don’t give Turkey F-35 if they buy S-400: Top US general

A top US general says Washington should not sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey if Ankara buys Russian-made air defense system.

Moscow and Ankara finalized an agreement on the delivery of the S-400 in December 2017.

Back in April 2018, Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Ankara that they had agreed to expedite the delivery of the S-400. At the time, it was said that the delivery could be made between late 2019 and early 2020.

A number of NATO member states have criticized Turkey for its planned purchase of the S-400 from Russia, stating that the missile batteries are not compatible with those of the military alliance.

They also argue that the purchase could jeopardize Ankara's acquisition of F-35 fighter jets and possibly result in US sanctions.

PressTV-US warns Turkey against purchase of Russian S-400s

The United States has warned Turkey of “grave consequences” if Ankara goes ahead with the plan to purchase Russian S-400 missile systems.

The S-400 is an advanced Russian missile system designed to detect, track, and destroy planes, drones, or missiles as far as 402 kilometers away. It has previously been sold only to China and India.

Ankara is striving to boost its air defense, particularly after Washington decided in 2015 to withdraw its Patriot surface-to-air missile system from Turkish border with Syria, a move that weakened Turkey’s air defense.

Before gravitating towards Russia, the Turkish military reportedly walked out of a $3.4-billion contract for a similar Chinese system. The withdrawal took place under purported pressure from Washington.

PressTV-Turkey: Purchase of Russian S-400 system ‘a done deal’

Foreign Minister Cavusoglu says Turkey will never backtrack on its earlier promises.

Ankara’s ties with its Western allies in NATO have been strained over a range of issues.

Erdogan has been critical of Washington for supporting Kurdish groups in Syria that he says are responsible for terror attacks inside Turkey.

The Turkish leader has also slammed US officials for rejecting his requests to hand over Fethullah Gulen, a powerful opposition figure living in the United States, whom Ankara accuses of having masterminded a coup attempt in July 2016, among other issues.

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