U.S. committed to expediting delivery of military equipment to Turkey- Pentagon

"The United States is committed to expediting the delivery of equipment purchased by Turkey, when possible," a Pentagon spokesman said
Tuesday, 12 September 2017 22:16

The U.S. Department of Defense is committed to the speedy delivery of military equipment to Turkey in light of Ankara signing a contract with Moscow on the purchase of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, Pentagon spokesman Johnny Michael told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"Turkey continues to pursue anti-missile systems from NATO allies, including the U.S., for its broader, long-term missile defence needs. The United States is committed to expediting the delivery of equipment purchased by Turkey, when possible," Michael said.

Earlier in the day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Ankara had made the first payment for the Russian S-400 systems.

"We have relayed our concerns to Turkish officials regarding the potential purchase of the S-400," Michael said. "A NATO interoperable missile defence system remains the best option to defend Turkey from the full range of threats in its region," he added.