Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he expected Russian S-400 missile defence systems to start arriving in Turkey in the first half of July, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a development set to fuel tensions with NATO ally Washington.
The S-400s are not compatible with NATO's systems and have been a growing source of discord between Turkey and the United States in recent months.
"We discussed the S-400 subject with Russia. Indeed the S-400 issue is settled," Erdogan was cited as telling reporters on his plane returning from a visit to Tajikistan, where he attended a summit and met Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I think they will start to come in the first half of July," he added, giving a more specific forecast than he has in the past.
Erdogan sees Russian S-400s delivery starting in July: NTV https://t.co/f0ZmxR5Sg8 pic.twitter.com/f7lNP2SgCC
— Andy Vermaut (@AndyVermaut) June 16, 2019
US acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan this month outlined how Turkey would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless Ankara changed course from its plans to buy the missile systems.
Turkey is expecting Russian S-400 missile defense systems to arrive in the first half of July https://t.co/poR03wCm5I
— Arab News (@arabnews) June 16, 2019
Erdogan said he would discuss the issue with US President Donald Trump when they meet at this month's G-20 summit.
"When someone lower down says different things, then we immediately make contact with Mr Trump and try to solve issues with telephone diplomacy. Matters don't take long there," he said.
