Turkey's decision to purchase Russian S-400 systems 'concerns us' - Mattis

U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis said on Tuesday the United States was concerned about Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system
FILE PHOTO.
Tuesday, 28 August 2018 19:08

Turkey’s intent to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems concerns the United States and Washington does not recommend such a move, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

The United States has already warned Turkey that it would be subject to sanctions and its purchase of Lockheed Martin fighter jets would be jeopardized if Ankara does not drop plans to purchase the missile defence system.

"Turkey had a choice to make, a sovereign decision to make. But clearly, Turkey bringing a Russian anti-aircraft, anti-missile system into a NATO country, we cannot integrate that into NATO," Mattis said. "Yes, it does concern us and we do not recommend that."