Erdogan talks about production of S-400 with Russia and Oglu reveals why US rejection

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hailed the S-400 missile defense deal with Russia, saying the next target was the joint production of missiles with Moscow. As Washington renewed its rejection of the Turkish deal, Ankara revealed the reason for the refusal.

Erdogan said shipments of the S400 would be completed by April 2020.

For its part, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that the arrival of equipment of the system "S400" Russian defense to the country for the fifth day in a row.

The ministry said in a statement that the shipment of the equipment of the system "S400" is still continuing, and in this context landed the 12 aircraft at the base of the airborne in Ankara.

Turkey's purchase of Russian defense systems, which Washington says are incompatible with NATO's defense network, is one of a series of disputed issues between Washington and Ankara.

Turkey may face exclusion from the F-35 fighter program capable of concealing radar systems, which means it will not be part of its production process or capable of buying the fighter jets it has ordered.

US Defense Secretary Mark Asper said Tuesday that Turkey's decision to buy Russian S-400 missiles, despite US opposition, was "bad and disappointing" without explaining how the US administration would respond.

"The acquisition of the S400 system fundamentally undermines F-35 capabilities and our ability to retain air superiority later," Asper told senators during his discussion of his new appointment.

The US Congress voted on several resolutions asking the executive to impose sanctions on Turkey if it did not change the receipt of Russian missiles, but no deputy asked Asper whether the administration would announce the sanctions.

On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Minister Mouloud Tejawishoglu revealed Tuesday that Washington's opposition to Turkey's purchase of the S-400 system is not technical, but because Ankara buys the system from Russia.

"President Donald Trump's remarks at the G20 summit are clear, and there are voices opposed to Trump's statements from Washington from time to time, but Turkey is an independent and sovereign country and buys the system that meets its needs."

He pointed out that the "S-400" is not an attack system, and will be under the control of Turkey and will not pose a threat to the systems of NATO and F-35 fighter jets.