Erdogan: Russian S-400 Deal ‘Done’, Delivery to Happen Soon

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Ankara’s deal with Russia for S-400 missile defense systems is already “done” and anticipated a speedy delivery.

“Turkey needs S-400s and its deal has been done,” Erdogan said, as quoted by AFP. “God willing, we will buy them in the shortest time.”

In a speech delivered at a military graduation ceremony, Erdogan said Turkey also needs F-35 jets and will continue to procure them from the United States. However, Ankara is determined to purchase jets elsewhere if Washington suspends the delivery.

The United States has expressed concern that NATO ally Turkey’s deployment of the S-400 systems might risk security of allies’ arms, since it is believed to be incompatible with the systems used by the alliance.

Earlier this month, Russia said S-400s would be delivered to Turkey in 2019. The purchase comes amid a growing diplomatic crisis between Turkey and the U.S., which has imposed sanctions against Ankara in an effort to force the release of a U.S. pastor who is accused of having a link with the Gulen movement and thus the 2016 failed coup.