Turkey preparing for possible US sanctions over S-400s: minister

Despite improvement in talks over buying F-35 fighter jets


Reuters May 22, 2019
Russian servicemen drive S-400 missile air defence systems during the Victory Day parade, marking the 73rd anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, at Red Square in Moscow, Russia May 9, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS

ANKARA: Turkey’s defense minister said it was preparing for potential US sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, even while he said there was some improvement in talks with the United States over buying F-35 fighter jets.

Turkey and the United States have been at odds on several fronts including Ankara’s decision to buy the S-400s, which cannot be integrated into NATO systems. Washington says it would jeopardise Turkey’s role in building Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, which it says would be compromised by S-400s.

Turkey says it will not bow to US sanctions over S-400 deal

While Washington has warned that Ankara faced sanctions under its Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) if it presses on with the deal, Turkey has said it expected US President Donald Trump to protect it.

Speaking to reporters late on Tuesday, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey was fulfilling its responsibilities in the F-35 project and expected the program to continue as planned. He said buying the S-400s was only meant to meet Turkey’s defense needs and posed no threats.

“We are doing whatever normal bilateral agreements mandate. Though there are some issues from time to time, we are pleased that there has been no sharp turn until now ... Turkey is also making preparations for the potential implementation of CAATSA sanctions,” he said.

“In our talks with the United States, we see a general easing and rapprochement on issues including the east of the Euphrates, F-35s and Patriots.”

Turkey’s lira has been sliding in part on concerns over the US sanctions, which would hit an economy already in recession after a currency crisis last year. Among its other disputes with Washington is strategy in Syria east of the Euphrates River, where the United States is allied with Kurdish forces that Turkey views as foes.

Akar said linking the S-400s purchase with that of the F-35s is “another hurdle” and noted that nine NATO partners have a stake.

“There is no clause anywhere in the F-35 agreement saying one will be excluded from the partnership for buying S-400s,” he said. “Turkey has paid $1.2 billion. We also produced the parts ordered from us on time. What more can we do as a partner?”

Erdogan determined to go ahead with Russian missile deal

In trying to persuade Turkey to give up the Russian missiles, the United States has offered to sell its rival Raytheon Co Patriot missile defense systems, which Akar said Ankara was evaluating. He said Turkish and US officials were working on price, technology transfer and joint production issues on the latest US offer in late March.

The minister also said conceptual work on the SAMP-T defense systems with the Franco-Italian EUROSAM consortium were expected to be completed in October. He said EUROSAM had offered to install a SAMP-T battery in Turkey and that scouting work would be carried out.

COMMENTS (2)

Bunny Rabbit | 4 years ago | Reply Turkey need not worry about USA . It has USA in its pocket thanx to Khashoggi . All this is eye wash .
Sophie | 4 years ago | Reply If Erdogan remains in charge the Turkey is going to eventually get booted from NATO and face economic embargoes from Europe and USA. Improving economy is what maintained Erdogan's popularity and failing economy is what will eventually remove him.
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