U.S. gives Turkey to July 31 to backtrack on Russia missile deal

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The United States on Friday gave Turkey until the end of July to abandon a deal made with Russia to buy an S-400 missile defense system, which Washington considers incompatible with Ankara's participation in the F-35 fighter jet program.

If by July 31 Turkey does not give up on the S-400 system, Turkish pilots currently training in the United States on the F-35 will be expelled, and agreements with Turkish firms sub-contracted for manufacturing the F-35 stealth warplane will be canceled, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord told reporters.

S-400 missile defense system dispute leaves Turkey stuck between allies

The Russian S-400 missile defense system displayed in Russia. /Reuters Photo

Lord said the deadline "will allow sufficient time for Turkish personnel associated with the F-35 program to be reassigned and depart the United States... to facilitate an orderly cessation of Turkish participation."

She justified the U.S. ultimatum by the fact that Turkey, a NATO ally of the United States, had already sent its personnel to Russia to start training with the S-400.

On Tuesday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country was "determined" to proceed with the Russia deal.

U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord participates in a press preview event of the upcoming Paris Air Show at the National Press Club in Washington, U.S., June 6, 2019. /Reuters Photo

U.S. officials have said they expected Turkey to opt for the American Patriot system instead, arguing that would allow the F-35 program to continue.

Turkey plans to buy 100 US F-35s. Erdogan said he told the U.S. that Ankara would buy Patriots only if Washington's conditions of delivery were as positive as Moscow's. "But unfortunately we haven't received a positive proposal from the American side on the subject of Patriots like the S-400s from Russia," he said.

Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said he had sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar informing him of Washington's decision. The US offer for the Patriots was "very competitive," Shanahan told reporters.

(Cover: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) extends his hand for a handshake with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 16, 2017. /VCG Photo)

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Source(s): AFP