Turkey to Activate Russian System by Year-End, Pentagon Predicts
- Acquisition chief Lord sees no change on ban from F-35 program
- She says removing Turkey will cost the U.S. about $600 million
Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile launching system
Photographer: Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images
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Turkey is expected to fully activate its Russian-made S-400 air defense system by year-end, solidifying the U.S. decision to remove the NATO ally from the F-35 aircraft program, the Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer said.
“There has been no change to return Turkey to the F-35 program,” Ellen Lord told reporters Tuesday. “The S-400 air defense system, which is incompatible with the F-35, remains in Turkey,” and “we anticipate that being fully operational toward the end of the year.”