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Turkey to test Russian S-400 systems despite U.S. pressure

The Turkish Air Force F-16s and other aircraft will conduct low- and high-altitude flights over Ankara on Monday and Tuesday to test its new Russian S-400 missile defences, according to the information gained from the official sources.

Reuters WORLD
Published November 25,2019
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Turkish F-16 warplanes will fly over the country's capital Ankara on Monday to test its new Russian S-400 missile defences, Turkish media said, despite pressure from Washington for Turkey to drop the system.

Ankara's purchase of the S-400s has been a major factor souring relations with the United States, which says the system is not compatible with NATO defences and poses a threat to Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter jets.

The provincial governor's office announced on Sunday that the Turkish Air Force F-16s and other aircraft will conduct low- and high-altitude flights over Ankara on Monday and Tuesday to test an air defence system project.

Broadcaster CNN Turk and other media said specifically that the flights were to test the S-400 radar system. Ankara began receiving the S-400s last July but they are not yet operational.