NATO Secretary General reprimanded Turkey for purchasing Russian S-400s

NATO countries themselves decide which air defense capabilities they will acquire, but this does not apply to the Russian S-400 air defense system.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated this at an online press conference on the eve of the summit of the alliance's defense ministers, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.

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“I am concerned about Turkey’s decision to purchase the S-400; I raised this issue, including during my meetings in Ankara. This system cannot be integrated into the NATO air defense system, and the US has clearly stated that sanctions will follow and Turkey cannot participate in the F-35 program (F-35 fighter-bomber program - ed.)

I have looked into this issue, I support efforts to find alternative options, and I support contact between Turkey and the United States on the deployment of Patriot systems. “In addition, Turkey is working with European NATO countries to deploy the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system and continues to work in these areas,” Stoltenberg said

“Of course, this is a national decision of Turkey. NATO countries decide for themselves what capabilities they acquire, but we must also remember the need to ensure interoperability of our integrated air defense system, and here the Russian S-400 system cannot be used in our system,” the Secretary General added.