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.
- World
- Reuters
- Published Date: 02:10 | 25 November 2019
- Modified Date: 06:27 | 25 November 2019
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.
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