This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
On Friday, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced the arrival of the first shipment of Russia's S-400 surface-to-air missile system in Turkey, a move that is expected to trigger US sanctions and test the NATO alliance.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been determined to acquire the S-400 system, Russia's most advanced antiaircraft weaponry, despite US warnings that the deal will lead to economic penalties against Turkey, a fellow NATO member, and cancellation of Turkey's purchase of American F-35 fighter jets.
The US has been opposed to Turkey's acquisition of the S-400, citing incompatibility with NATO equipment and the potential for Russia to gain access to the secret stealth technology of the F-35 jets.
Mr. Erdogan has pursued the missile system despite American warnings and the potential damage to his country's already struggling economy.
Speaking last month, he warned the US not to risk a larger fissure in ties with Turkey over the missile system, saying, 'They should think deeply, because losing a country like Turkey will not be easy. If we are friends, if we are strategic partners, then we should handle this issue between each other.'
The S-400 system includes advanced radar designed to detect stealth targets and can also be used against some types of missiles.
The Turkish defense ministry said the first parts of the system arrived at Murted airfield in Ankara on Friday.
Turkey is liable for sanctions under the 2017 Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which mandates US sanctions against anyone making a significant deal with the Russian defense industry.
