Turkey says Russian S-400s will not be integrated into NATO systems

Turkey will not integrate Russian S-400 missile systems into the NATO security or air defence systems, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told a forum, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday.

Turkey has angered the United States and other NATO allies by buying the Russian-made air defence missile system, which the Western allies say is incompatible with NATO defences.

Washington has suspended Ankara from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, which it was helping produce as well as buy.

“We are still working on the technical details. The S-400 systems will not be integrated into the NATO security system or air defence system,” Kalin told a foreign policy conference in Berlin.

READ: Turkey to test Russian S-400 systems despite US pressure

“It will remain an independent defence system on its own. Concerns on this issue can be eased,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the head of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport was quoted as saying Russia hoped to seal a deal to supply Turkey with more S-400 missile systems in the first half of next year.

Washington has warned of possible US sanctions but has not yet imposed them. A senior US State Department official said last week that Turkey needed to get rid of the S-400s it had already bought to mend fences.

Turkey receives Russian S-400 despite Trump’s threats [Cartoon-Arabi21]