Turkey tested the S400 air defense system, Turkish media reported on Friday
Haber said on its website that Turkey’s military test-fired the Russian S-400 in the Black Sea province of Sinop.
Turkish military and defense officials have refused to comment on the reports.
Washington objected to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian anti-aircraft system and suspended Turkey from the F-35 program, saying the S-400 is a threat for the aircraft.
Ankara risks U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if the S-400 system is activated.
Turkey said that she was forced to purchase the Russian S400 after Washington refused to sell it the U.S. Patriot system.
During a visit to Turkey earlier this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the S-400 cannot be integrated into the NATO air and missile defense system and can lead to sanctions by the United States.
The U.S. State Department said the missile launch is “incompatible with Turkey’s responsibilities as a NATO ally and strategic partner” of the U.S.
Defense Department spokesperson said “We have been clear: an operational S-400 system is not consistent with Turkey’s commitments as a U.S. and NATO ally. We object to Turkey’s purchase of the system and are deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is bringing it into operation.”
