Ankara's agreement with Russia to purchase S-400 surface-to-air defence missile systems has been a major source of tension between Turkey and the United States, as Washington has warned Ankara of possible sanctions if the deal goes through.
Omer Celik, a spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), has reiterated that Turkey is unwavering in its determination to reinforce air defence systems in response to continued threats arising from Syria, Iraq and the eastern Mediterranean, reports the Anadolu news agency.
Speaking at a news conference after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's meeting with AKP lawmakers at the party's Istanbul branch, Celik said enhancing the country's air defence system was a “requirement of national security as a sovereign state.”
The AKP spokesman engaged the support of Turkey's allies regarding the S-400 issue, saying:
“The protection of Turkey's borders is the protection of the borders of NATO and Europe, as well as it is for Turkey's national security.”
When asked where the S-400s would be deployed, Celik said: “The system will be deployed in a way to meet Turkey's need at a maximum level.”
Ankara's deal with Moscow over the S-400 surface-to-air defence missile system has long been a major source of tension between Turkey and the US.
During the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, President Erdogan said Donald Trump told him there would be no sanctions targeting Turkey after it receives the S-400…
