Delivery of S-400 systems may be delayed until after June: Turkish DM
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar says the delivery of advanced Russian built S-400 air defense missile systems to his country “might be delayed until after June” irrespective of US pressure and threats of imposing sanctions on Ankara over the purchase of the military hardware.
“They may not catch June, but will arrive in following months. The process has started,” Akar said in an exclusive interview with local Turkish-language Haberturk television news network.
“There are some details about the agreements we have made regarding the procurement of the S-400, within the framework of the contracts. Related institutions and organizations continue to negotiate about them,” he added.
The Turkish defense minister then refused to comment on “assumptions” when asked about measures Turkey would adopt in case of possible US sanctions over Ankara’s procurement of S-400 missile defense system from Moscow.
“We are carrying out activities in a way that will completely fulfill the responsibilities given to us,” Akar said, adding that Turkey has made full payment for F-35 fighter jets to Washington.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Turkish-language and nationwide Kanal 7 television network on May 5, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said United States concerns as to Ankara’s purchase of S-400 systems from Moscow were not reasonable and added that Turkey would not back down.
Oktay's comments came only two days after Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned that the Pentagon will halt manufacturing support for the F-35 fighter jets in Turkey if Ankara does not abandon plans to buy the Russian missile defense system.
Shanahan noted that he had met delegations from US aerospace manufacturers Lockheed Martin and United Technologies to discuss options if Turkey refuses to take the measure.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/05/28/597156/Delivery-of-S400-systems-may-be-delayed-after-June-Turkish-DM