ANKARA, Turkey — NATO-member Turkey has examined its Russian-made superior air defence missile system, Turkish media experiences mentioned Friday, elevating the spectre of a brand new standoff with the United States.
A Haber tv, which is near the federal government, mentioned on its web site that Turkey’s navy test-fired the Russian S-400 air defence system within the Black Sea province of Sinop. It based mostly its experiences on an newbie video, reportedly filmed in Sinop, displaying a contrail taking pictures into the sky. Different media carried related experiences.
Turkish navy and defence officers have refused to touch upon the experiences.
The U.S. Division of Defence mentioned that if the experiences are correct it “strongly condemns” the take a look at.
“We’ve got been clear: an operational S-400 system isn’t in step with Turkey’s commitments as a U.S. and NATO ally,” chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman mentioned. “We object to Turkey’s buy of the system, and are deeply involved with experiences that Turkey is bringing it into operation.”
He mentioned the system “shouldn’t be activated.”
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“Doing so dangers severe penalties for our safety relationship,” the spokesman mentioned, including that Turkey has already been suspended from the hi-tech F-35 fighter jet program, “and the S-400 continues to be a barrier to progress elsewhere within the bilateral relationship.”
A U.S. official mentioned Friday that the U.S. believes Turkey fired off three missiles within the take a look at _ all profitable launches. The official spoke on situation of anonymity to debate info not but made public.
Washington has warned Ankara that it dangers U.S. sanctions beneath the Countering America’s Adversaries By way of Sanctions Act if the S-400 system is activated.
Ankara insists it was pressured to buy the Russian system after Washington refused to promote it the U.S. Patriot system. It additionally argues that it’s Turkey’s sovereign proper to purchase the system it desires.
Russia delivered the defence system final yr. Turkey had initially mentioned the S-400 can be operational in April however delayed activating it.
Throughout a go to to Turkey earlier this month, NATO Secretary Normal Jens Stoltenberg reiterated that the Russian-made system, which has reportedly value Turkey $2.5 billion, can’t be built-in into the NATO air and missile defence system.
Turkey was extensively anticipated to check the system this week, after issuing notices warning vessels and plane to keep away from the world within the Black Sea.
U.S. President Donald Trump is beneath strain by legislators to sanction Turkey over the S-400 deal.
In 2018, Washington slapped sanctions on Turkey over the detention of an American pastor, sparking a extreme forex disaster within the nation. The sanctions have been lifted following the pastor’s launch.
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Baldor reported from Washington
© 2020 The Canadian Press
