Turkish Defense Minister praises Russian ‘S-400’ system, ignoring Washington

ANKARA, Oct. 22 (YPA) – The Turkish Minister of Defense, Hulusi Akar, on Thursday renewed his country’s intention to owning and operating the Russian “S-400” missile system.

“The S-400 is not an option but a necessity,” Akar said, referring to its use independently in the Turkish defense system, like the “S-300” used in Greece, which belongs to the “NATO” alliance.

He added, in a statement to the Russian “Sputnik” agency, that the Turkish military tests on the “S-400” system are part of the agreement that contains a purchase program and a technical test.

Akar expressed his country’s approval to purchase the American “Patriot” system, on condition of presenting guarantees as a timetable for delivery and co-production.

Last Friday, Turkey issued a notice to restrict the air and sea space off its coast on the Black Sea to allow launch tests, including the Russian S-400 defense system, a week after its transfer to the region.

The United States of America strongly opposes the purchase of the system from Moscow on the grounds that the S-400 missiles threaten the defense systems of NATO, and threatens with imposing sanctions on them.

YPA