Ankara
NATO-member Turkey has tested its Russian-made, advanced air defense missile system, Turkish media reports said Friday. This raises the spectre of a new standoff with the United States.
A Haber television, which is close to the government, said on its website that Turkey’s military test-fired the Russian S-400 air defense system in the Black Sea province of Sinop. It based its reports on an amateur video, reportedly filmed in Sinop, showing a contrail shooting into the sky. Other media carried similar reports.
Turkish military and defence officials have refused to comment on the reports. States strongly objected to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian anti-aircraft system and suspended Turkey from its hi-tech F-35 fighter jet program, saying the S-400 are a threat to the stealth fighter jets.
It has also warned Ankara that it risks U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if the S-400 system is activated.
Ankara insists it was forced to purchase the Russian system after Washington refused to sell it the U.S. Patriot system.–AFP
