Erdogan Brushes Off US Criticism Over S-400: “Washington Has No Idea About Who It Deals With”

By Staff, Agencies

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made it clear once again that Ankara does not intend to abandon the S-400 missile systems purchased from Russia.

"The United States does not know who it is dealing with. You told us to send the S-400s back to Russia. But we are not a tribal state, we are Turkey", Erdogan told a meeting in the city of Malatya on Sunday.

In an apparent jab at Washington, the Turkish president also suggested that the US should slap sanctions on Ankara, a move that the White House has repeatedly pledged to make with regard to Turkey.

"Whatever the sanctions will be, do not be late, introduce them", Erdogan said, recalling that even though Turkey "paid money for [the US fifth-generation fighter] F-35, Washington never supplied the warplanes to Ankara".

The statement comes a day after Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that the Turkish military is checking its S-400 air defense systems and preparing them for deployment, adding that "the purchase and planned check-ups of the S-400s do not mean that the country is alienating itself from NATO".

He stressed that the purchase of the Russian-made missile systems does not violate Turkey's obligations as a member of the alliance and asked NATO to point out an alternative to the air defense system, instead of criticizing the deal.

Earlier this week, Akar confirmed that Turkey had conducted tests of the air defense systems in Sinop, noting that the drills were scheduled in accordance with the contract.

This followed Erdogan stating that Turkey will not hold any consultations with the United States regarding tests of the S-400s, adding, "the tests have been carried out and they are being carried out".

"The approach of the US is not binding for us in any way because how can we not test the means that we have? Of course, we are not going to consult with the US on that. Not only for the S-400, but also many other heavy and light weapons", he underlined.