Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Turkey: Russia Completes First Part of Delivery of Missile Defense System

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - The Turkish government says Russia has completed delivery of
   the first shipment of Moscow's S-400 missile defense system, which has
   been a point of contention with the United States. The announcement
   comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirms his commitment
   to use the system next year, while reaffirming his commitment to
   deepening ties with Russia.

   "In the coming spring, God willing in April 2020, we will be able to
   start using this system," Erdogan said in a televised speech to party
   officials at the presidential palace.

   The S-400 purchase has already resulted in Turkey's exclusion from
   buying America's latest F-35 aircraft, NATO's newest stealth fighter
   jet. The White House has said theF-35 "cannot coexist with a Russian
   intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its
   advanced capabilities."

.