Turkey will start receiving its order of Russian S-400 missile defense systems in July, according to the Turkish president. The deal to purchase the S-400s has created tension between the United States and Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the order of the missile defense systems is a matter that directly affects his country’s sovereignty and the country will not backtrack.
Turkey has plans to buy 100 American-made F-35 fighter jets, and has lucrative contracts to build parts for the jets. Washington has threatened to impose sanctions on Ankara and prevent Turkey from purchasing the F-35s.
Relations with Washington have deteriorated in recent years over various issues including the S-400 deal, and US support for Syrian Kurdish fighters viewed as “terrorists” by Turkey.
