Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, April 19th, 2024

US Tells Turkey to Give Up on Russian S-400s in Exchange for Patriot Systems Deal – Report

US Tells Turkey to Give Up on Russian S-400s in Exchange  for Patriot Systems Deal – Report

ISTANBUL - The US has made an official offer to Turkey for a $3.5 billion sale of American Patriot missile systems, but only under the condition that Ankara cancels its S-400 purchase from Russia, local media has reported.
A US delegation visited the country midweek to present Washington’s terms to Turkish defense and foreign ministry officials. The contract put together by the Americans included a prerequisite, according to which the Patriot missile defense systems will only be supplied to Ankara if it gives up its deal to buy Russian air defense systems, Yeni Safak reported.
In December, the US State Department approved the sale of 80 Patriot missiles and 60 other missiles, along with launching stations, radars and other equipment, to Turkey, which it called an important ally.
The Turkish government, which had been long trying to acquire the Patriots, got frustrated with the US for not selling them the missiles “when they were needed the most.”
In 2017, Ankara signed a contract with Russia to buy the more advanced S-400 air defense systems. Their installation is expected to begin in Turkey in October this year.
The move caused outrage in the US as Washington claimed that the use of Russian hardware by a NATO state like Turkey endangers the whole bloc. The US Congress delayed the shipment of 100 F-35 fighter jets to Turkey in retaliation.
However, Ankara has been reluctant to give in to the American pressure. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted that the S-400 purchase was a “done deal” and that his country didn’t need anybody’s permission to strike deals essential for its security. (Russia Today)