US: Turkey had the opportunity to purchase Patriot, chose S-400

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA) - Archive

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United States' (US) Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs John Kirby gave a press briefing where he also addressed the questions regarding Turkey's purchase of S-400s from Russia.

Addressing the reporters yesterday (February 23), Kirby underlined that there was "no change to the administration's policy" with respect to the F-35 jets and the S-400 air defense missile systems. Kirby briefly said:

"Again, we urge Turkey not to move ahead with the delivery of the S-400. We believe that it is incompatible with the F-35, and Turkey remains suspended from that program. Again, we urge them not to retain it.

"I would remind that they had multiple opportunities over the last decade to purchase the Patriot defense system from the United States, and instead chose this S-400, which provides Russia revenue, access, and influence."

Department of State made a similar statement

Ned Price, the Spokesperson for the United States (US) State Department, also answered the questions of reporters about Turkey-US relations and Turkey's purchase of S-400 on February 10, 2021.

"Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed," Price said, noting that they threaten the security of NATO technology:

"Russian S-400s are incompatible with NATO equipment. They threaten the security of NATO technology and they are inconsistent with Turkey's commitments as a NATO ally. This significant transaction from Russia, as you know, triggered the CAATSA sanctions under U.S. legislation, and we have and we continue to urge Turkey not to retain this system." (EKN/SD)