Reports: Turkey tests Russian-made S-400 defense system
Source: Associated Press
Reports: Turkey tests Russian-made S-400 defense system
By SUZAN FRASER and LOLITA C. BALDOR
October 16, 2020
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) NATO-member Turkey has tested its Russian-made advanced air defense missile system, Turkish media reports said Friday, raising the specter of a new standoff with the United States.
A Haber television, which is close to the government, said on its website that Turkeys 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 defense officials have refused to comment on the reports.
The U.S. Department of Defense said that if the reports are accurate it strongly condemns the test.
We have been clear: an operational S-400 system is not consistent with Turkeys commitments as a U.S. and NATO ally, chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said. We object to Turkeys purchase of the system, and are deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is bringing it into operation.
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FILE - In this Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019 file photo, a truck carrying parts of the S-400 air defense systems, exits a Russian transport aircraft after landing at Murted military airport outside Ankara, Turkey. NATO-member Turkey has tested its Russian-made advanced air defense missile system, Turkish media reports said Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, raising the specter of a new standoff with the United States. (Turkish Defence Ministry via AP, Pool, File)