Turkey Riles Pentagon With Confirmation of Russian Missile Test
Erdogan Confirms Test-Firing of Russian-Made S-400 Missiles
(Bloomberg) -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that Turkey had test-fired its controversial Russian-made S-400 missile batteries, bringing condemnation from the U.S. Defense Department.
“It is true that tests have been carried out,” Erdogan said in televised remarks in Istanbul on Friday. “What are we supposed to do, not test these capabilities? Obviously we’re not going to ask the U.S.” for permission.
The test, carried out Oct. 16 on the missile system Turkey bought from Moscow in 2019, was criticized by NATO allies alarmed over the advanced weaponry’s potential to gather intelligence on western capabilities, especially the F-35 stealth fighter jet.
Hours after Erdogan’s announcement, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman condemned the test “in the strongest possible terms.”
“We have been clear and unwavering in our position: an operational S-400 system is not consistent with Turkey’s commitments as a U.S. and NATO ally,” Hoffman said, warning the acquisition of the Russian system “risks serious consequences for our security relationship” and noting it already has led to Turkey’s suspension from the program to help build and to buy Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35.
Earlier, Erdogan rejected such criticism. “Look, Greece has S-300s in its hand. Let alone testing them, it is using them,” he said. “Does U.S. say anything to them? No.”
The test-firing of the missiles fits with Erdogan’s regional projection of Turkish power. It was also likely a calibrated snub to the U.S., which for years has refused to comply with Turkey’s conditions for purchasing its Patriot alternative.
Erdogan vowed to keep testing weapons in Turkey’s inventory, including the S-400s.
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