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Turkey didn't buy Russian defence system 'to keep in box': FM by Staff Writers Ankara (AFP) Nov 27, 2019 Turkey on Wednesday rejected criticism from the United States over its testing of a newly-acquired Russian missile defence system. "You don't buy a product to keep it in a box," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a press conference. Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 missile defence system from Russia this summer was met with consternation by its NATO allies and threats of sanctions from Washington. US officials had lately suggested Turkey could be spared sanctions -- automatic for countries that buy Russian weapons -- if it did not activate the system. But Turkey tested the S-400 on Monday and Tuesday at a military base in Ankara province, using military jets including American-made F-16 fighters. "It's concerning," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday. "But we have made very clear to the Turkish government our desire to see them move away from the putting into full operationalisation of the S-400 weapons system." The US says there is a risk that sensitive information about operational and technical capacities could be gleaned if the S-400 is used alongside Western equipment, especially the new F-35 jet. Turkey has ordered 100 F-35s and its defence industry was part of the supply chain for the new jet, until it was kicked off the programme due to the S-400 purchase. "We are partners in this project, we have made very serious investments," said Cavusoglu. "In a worst case scenario, if we cannot buy the F-35 we will have to look for alternatives," he said, reiterating a long-held threat to look to other countries for new fighter jets.
Turkey tests Russian missile defences despite US threats Ankara (AFP) Nov 25, 2019 Turkey began testing on Monday its Russian missile defence system, local media reported, despite repeated calls from the United States that it could lead to sanctions. Planes, including F-16 fighter jets, circled the Murted military base in Ankara province to test the newly acquired S-400 system and train Turkish operators, news agency DHA reported. Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 in July was met with consternation by its NATO allies. The US argues there is a risk that sensitive technolo ... read more
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