Turkey Announces S-400s Will Not Integrate into NATO Command Structure

The S-400 missile systems, acquired by Ankara from Moscow, will operate independently of NATO systems. This was announced today by Turkey's National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

"The S-400s will not be integrated into NATO's command and control infrastructure. They will operate independently," Akar's statement is quoted by the TRT television channel.

In addition, according to the Turkish defense chief, the acquisition of the S-400s from Russia does not mean that Ankara is "disconnecting from NATO." Akar also commented on the S-400 participation in live-fire exercises conducted in the north of the country. "Tests and system checks are conducted as part of every procurement program for defensive systems. This is part of the procurement program and is purely technical activity," emphasized the minister, as reported by TASS.

In 2017, Russia and Turkey signed a plan for the supply of S-400 systems to Ankara. Turkey is the first NATO country to acquire these systems from Russia. Akar's decision has provoked a harsh negative reaction from the United States and the alliance in general. The United States continues to try to persuade Turkey to abandon the Russian missile systems. Washington removed Ankara from the American F-35 fighter jet production program.

Additionally, the US has threatened to impose sanctions on Turkey for buying the S-400s, but has not rushed to take this step due to concerns about further deterioration of relations with a crucial NATO ally. Ankara warns that it will not leave such restrictions unanswered.