Ankara Denies Reports of Disappointment Over Purchases of Russian S-400 Systems

Reports suggesting that Turkey has concluded that the purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems was a mistake do not reflect reality, a diplomatic source in Ankara stated to RIA Novosti.

Earlier, Russian media reported that despite successful tests of the S-400 air defense systems, Turkey had come to the conclusion that the purchase of these missile systems was erroneous. It was claimed that despite their capabilities, the Russian systems were allegedly very ineffective.

In mid-July 2019, the deliveries of Russia's latest S-400 air defense systems began, which caused a crisis in Turkey's relations with the United States. Washington demanded that Turkey abandon the deal and instead purchase American Patriot systems, threatening to delay or even cancel the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, as well as impose sanctions.

Ankara refused to make concessions and continued negotiations regarding an additional batch of S-400s.