Washington, Feb 6: The United States is urging Turkey to dispose of the Russian S-400 air defense system, US Defense Department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
“We urge Turkey not to retain the S-400 system,” Kirby said during a press briefing on Friday.
The spokesperson reiterated the United States’ position that the S-400 is incompatible with the US F-35 fifth generation fighter jet program as well as other NATO weapon systems.
“Turkey is a long-standing and valued NATO ally, but their decision to purchase S-400 is inconsistent with Turkey’s commitments as a US and NATO ally,” Kirby added.
In July 2019, the US government announced that it was suspending Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program over its purchase of the S-400 system. In December 2020, the United States also imposed sanctions on the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). UNI
