Defense Minister Akar Made A Statement On The S-400 Issue

Defense Minister Akar made a statement on the S-400 issue. Akar said, "The restrictions on the S-400 are not in line with the spirit of alliance."

Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar made new statements about the Russian-origin S-400 air defense systems, which different spokespersons of the new US administration spoke about. Speaking in Kayseri, Minister Akar said, "The S-400 is a national issue. Turkey has used its right of sovereignty with this choice." Akar, who reiterated that Turkey could not meet the Patriot demand from the USA for many years, made the following statements: "The S-400 defense system is used in case of need against threats and dangers. We can use the S-400 in the same way as Russian systems are used in some NATO member countries. Our aim is the defense of our country and our citizens. It is used when needed. If there is no intention of attacking Turkey, there is no need to use it."   The USA Does Not Change Its Attitude About the S-400 US Department of Defense (Pentagon) Spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the US administration's stance on F-35s and S-400s has not changed, "We invite Turkey not to move forward on the delivery of S-400s." Speaking to the press at the Pentagon, Kirby said, "We reiterate our call to Turkey not to preserve the S-400s." Kirby stated that the missile defense system S-400, which Turkey procured from Russia, is incompatible with the F-35s, and that Turkey has many opportunities to buy the Patriot defense system from the USA in the last 10 years. Kirby said that Turkey "chose the S-400 that provides income, reach and influence in Russia" Another statement close to Kirby's statement was made by US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. Emphasizing that the United States maintains its stance on this issue, Price stated that they repeated their call to Turkey not to preserve these systems.