Russia starts delivery of S-400 missile system to Turkey, setting up standoff with US

ANKARA, Turkey - The first shipment of the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile system has landed in Ankara, in a move that sets up a potential showdown between Turkey and the United States. The equipment arrived at the Murted Air Base on Friday, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry, reports CNN. Continue reading original article

The Intelligent Aerospace take:

July 12, 2019-The purchase of the anti-aircraft missiles by Turkey from Russia has caused the United States to reiterate that it may withold providing access to F35 jets. Turkey, a NATO ally of the United States, was told by the U.S. that the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system was "incompatable" with NATO systems.

"If Turkey accepts delivery of the S-400, they will not receive the F-35. It's that simple," said acting Secretary of Defense Mark Esper in June.

A NATO official told CNN on Friday that: "It is up to allies to decide what military equipment they buy. However, we are concerned about the potential consequences of Turkey's decision to acquire the S-400 system." The official added that, "interoperability of our armed forces is fundamental to NATO for the conduct of our operations and missions."

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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace