Turkey Accepts Russian S-400 Missile System, Rankling U.S. And NATO - NPR

Enlarge this image

A Russian cargo plane carrying parts of Russia's S-400 missile defense system landed at a military air base near Ankara on Friday. Stringer ./Reuters hide caption

toggle caption

Stringer ./Reuters

The first pieces of the S-400 missile system Turkey bought from Russia — against the wishes of the U.S. and NATO — began arriving Friday, according to Turkey's National Defense Ministry. In response, the Pentagon is expected to announce that Turkey will be barred from receiving the new F-35 fighter.

Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35s, which is produced by Lockheed Martin Corp. But in the months since Turkey announced in 2017 that it also planned to install Russia's S-400 air-defense missile system, the U.S. has repeatedly said Turkey can have one or the other — but not both.

"If Turkey procures the S-400, it will mean they will not receive the F-35. It's that simple, " acting Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said last month.

Beyond implying a crisis of solidarity in the NATO alliance, the Russia-Turkey deal has been criticized by the U.S. and its allies because of the potential for sensitive information to be sent back to Russia by its advanced missile system.

Describing the worries of U.S. military officials, NPR's David Welna reported earlier this year:

"The S-400, they say, is designed to detect and shoot down stealth fighters like the F-35. Planting that air-defense system on Turkish soil could, by means of its powerful radar, help Moscow discover the secrets — and the vulnerabilities — of the F-35s that Turkey intends to acquire."

Despite warnings from the U.S. that buying the Russian system could prompt sanctions, Turkey went ahead with the deal. On Friday, Turkey's defense ministry announced via Twitter that the first component had arrived at the Murted Air Base in Ankara. Photos from the scene showed a large Russian cargo jet landing and opening its nose cone to unload large equipment — which was kept under tarps.

With the Russian system now landing on Turkish soil, NATO said on Friday that it's "concerned" about Russian missiles being deployed by a NATO ally.

"It is up to Allies to decide what military equipment they buy," a NATO official tells NPR. "However, we are concerned about the potential consequences of Turkey's decision to acquire the S-400 system."

Noting that NATO members see the interoperability of their military forces as a fundamental strength of the alliance, the official added, "We welcome that Turkey is working with several Allies on developing long-range air and missile defense systems."

According to Russia's state-run Tass media, Turkey is paying some $2.5 billion to acquire the missile system.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.npr.org/2019/07/12/741068857/turkey-accepts-russian-s-400-missile-system-rankling-u-s-and-nato

2019-07-12 13:26:00Z
52780331174982

Turkey takes delivery of Russian missile system, despite risk of US sanctions - CNBC

A Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile system.

Sergei Malgavko | TASS via Getty Images

Turkey has taken delivery of a controversial Russian missile defense system, angering U.S. officials and potentially triggering sanctions from Washington.

The shipment of S-400 components arrived in an airbase in the capital Ankara on Friday, the Turkish defense ministry said in an announcement on Twitter.

Following the announcement, the Turkish lira weakened 0.6% versus the U.S. dollar as the potential for U.S. sanctions was factored in by currency traders.

Timothy Ash, emerging markets senior sovereign strategist at Bluebay Asset Management said in an email Friday that the purchase marked a watershed for global military spend.

"If Turkey is able to buy S-400s without sanction, then a queue of over NATO members will be buying Russian military equipment which is often very cost effective and supplied on non-commercial terms," he said.

Ash added that the warming of ties between Turkey and Russia and the sale of the S-400 was "a huge challenge to the F35 project," and a "huge blow to the US defence industry."

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter approaches at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.

U.S. officials see Ankara's purchase of the missile system as a worrying pivot toward warmer ties with Moscow. Turkey's integration of the Russian S-400 system is also viewed as a direct threat to the security of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jet program.

Turkey has helped to build the F-35s and intends to buy at least 100 of the planes. However, Pentagon officials have said they do not want the hi-tech jets to be located near Russian engineers, who would be working in Turkey to install and support the S-400 systems.

"NATO countries need to procure military equipment that is interoperable with NATO systems. A Russian system would not meet that standard," a U.S. State Department official told CNBC on Monday.

The same official said that Turkey would face consequences for pursuing the deal.

Any potential sanctions would come under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which President Donald Trump signed in August 2017. At least 13 countries have expressed interest in buying a Russian missile system, despite the potential for triggering U.S. penalties.

Recharging an S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system in military training of the 428th Zvenigorod Guards Missile Regiment on combat duty.

Mikhail Japaridze | TASS | Getty Images

The S-400 is viewed as the best missile available for engaging targets at longer distances, able to track and destroy stealth bombers, aircraft and cruise missiles.

A long-range radar tracks potential targets and relays data to a command vehicle. The command vehicle orders a launch and selects the best placed launch pad, usually cited on a truck. A separate engagement radar then guides the missile to the target.

U.S. NATO ambassador and former U.S. senator, Bailey Hutchison, told CNBC in June that Russia is trying to "continue to probe ways" to disrupt and weaken the NATO alliance, adding that a Russian missile system under the same military control as an F-35 fighter jet was unacceptable.

"You have to make a choice. You can have one or the other but not both," she said.

CNBC's Amanda Macias contributed to this report.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/12/turkey-takes-s-400-russian-missiles-trump-may-impose-us-sanctions.html

2019-07-12 10:50:12Z
52780331174982

Russian S-400 defense systems arrive in Turkey despite US warning - Fox News

Turkey's Defense Ministry says the first shipment of a Russian missile defense system has arrived in Turkey, a development that could move the country closer to U.S. sanctions.

The ministry said the first delivery of the S-400 air defense systems arrived on Friday at an air base near the capital, Ankara.

TURKEY PREPARES TO RECEIVE RUSSIAN MISSILE SYSTEM, AS QUESTIONS SWIRL OVER POTENTIAL US PUNISHMENT

The United States has warned Turkey it will face economic sanctions if it goes ahead with the purchase of a Russian missile defense system. It has also said Turkey won't be allowed to participate in the program to produce the high-tech F-35 fighter jets.

Turkey has refused to bow to U.S. pressure, insisting that choosing which equipment to purchase is a matter of national sovereignty.

Although U.S. President Donald Trump expressed sympathy toward Turkey's decision to purchase the Russian system during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a G-20 meeting in Japan, Washington has repeatedly said that the Russian system is incompatible with NATO systems and is a threat to the F-35.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a meeting of the NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, May 6, 2019. Erdogan says Turkey's decision to purchase Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems does not mean that it is seeking "alternatives" in its relations with the West. (Presidential Press Service via AP)

Sanctions would mark a new low in the already-tense relations between Turkey and the U.S. Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on Turkey over its detention of an American pastor, triggering a Turkish currency crisis.

INSIDE IRAN’S DEADLY ARMORY AND ITS CAPABILITIES TO FIGHT THE US

The deal with Russia — the first such deal between Russia and a NATO member — has also raised concerns that Turkey is drifting closer to Moscow's sphere of influence.

Turkey has refused to bow to U.S. pressure, insisting that choosing which defense equipment to purchase is a matter of national sovereignty.

"We've always said regarding the S400s that it's an agreement that has been finalized and the process continues to progress," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters. "There's no problem and the process will continue in a healthy way going forward."

In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "Everything is going strictly in compliance with the agreements and contracts signed." He would not comment on a timeframe for the delivery but insisted that both parties are committed to complying with the contract.

Turkey has said it was forced to buy the S-400s because Washington refused to supply the American-made Patriot systems to Turkey.

U.S. officials have since encouraged Turkey to buy the Patriot missile defense system instead of the S-400s. But Turkey says the offer does not meet its requirements, including possible future joint production.

The U.S. has already stopped training Turkish pilots on the F-35, and given Ankara until the end of July to get its personnel out of the U.S.

Turkey maintains that it has fulfilled all of its financial obligations concerning the F-35 program and cannot be excluded from the project.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Turkey has refused to say where it intends to deploy the S-400. Turkish media reports have said it could take until October for the system to be fully operational.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.foxnews.com/world/russian-s-400-defense-systems-arrive-in-turkey

2019-07-12 10:35:57Z
52780331174982

Shipment of Russian S-400 Defense System Arrives in Turkey - TIME

this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://time.com/5625208/russia-turkey-s-400-missile-defense/

2019-07-12 08:47:35Z
52780331174982

Russian S-400 defense systems arrive in Turkey despite US warning - Fox News

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a meeting of the NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, May 6, 2019. Erdogan says Turkey's decision to purchase Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems does not mean that it is seeking "alternatives" in its relations with the West.(Presidential Press Service via AP, Pool)

Turkey's Defense Ministry says the first shipment of a Russian missile defense system has arrived in Turkey, a development that could move the country closer to U.S. sanctions.

The ministry said the first delivery of the S-400 air defense systems arrived on Friday at an air base near the capital, Ankara.

TURKEY PREPARES TO RECEIVE RUSSIAN MISSILE SYSTEM, AS QUESTIONS SWIRL OVER POTENTIAL US PUNISHMENT

The United States has warned Turkey it will face economic sanctions if it goes ahead with the purchase of a Russian missile defense system. It has also said Turkey won't be allowed to participate in the program to produce the high-tech F-35 fighter jets.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Turkey has refused to bow to U.S. pressure, insisting that choosing which equipment to purchase is a matter of national sovereignty.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.foxnews.com/world/russian-s-400-defense-systems-arrive-in-turkey

2019-07-12 08:11:12Z
52780331174982

New North Korea constitution calls Kim head of state, seen as step to U.S. peace treaty - Reuters

SEOUL (Reuters) - Kim Jong Un has been formally named head of state of North Korea and commander-in-chief of the military in a new constitution observers said was possibly aimed at preparing for a peace treaty with the United States.

FILE PHOTO: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the 4th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang in this April 10, 2019 photo released on April 11, 2019 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS/File Photo

North Korea has also long called for a peace deal with the United States to normalize relations and end the technical state of war that has existed since the 1950-1953 Korean War concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

The new constitution, unveiled on the Naenara state portal site on Thursday, said that Kim as chairman of the State Affairs Commission (SAC), a top governing body created in 2016, was “the supreme representative of all the Korean people”, which means head of state, and “commander-in-chief”.

A previous constitution simply called Kim “supreme leader” who commands the country’s “overall military force”.

Previously, North Korea’s official head of state was the president of the titular parliament, known as the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly.

“Kim had dreamed of becoming the president of North Korea and he effectively made it come true,” said Kim Dong-yup, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Far East Institute in Seoul.

“He has long sought to shake off the abnormal military-first policy the country has stuck to for a long time.”

Kim shifted his focus to the economy last year, launched nuclear talks with the United States and moved to revamp his image as a world leader via summits with South Korea, China and Russia.

Hong Min, a senior researcher of the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, said the title change was also aimed at preparing for a potential peace treaty with the United States.

“The amendment may well be a chance to establish Kim’s status as the signer of a peace treaty when it comes, while projecting the image of the country as a normal state,” Hong said.

Washington had baulked at signing a comprehensive peace treaty before North Korea takes substantial steps toward denuclearisation, but U.S. officials have signaled they may be willing to conclude a more limited agreement to reduce tensions, open liaison offices, and move toward normalizing relations.

Denuclearisation talks between the United States and North Korea have stalled, although fresh talks with Pyongyang are supposed to take place this month.

North Korea has frozen nuclear bomb and long-range missile testing since 2017. But it tested new short-range missiles after a second summit with the United States in February broke down, and U.S. officials believe it has expanded its arsenal by continuing to produce bomb fuel and missiles.

The new constitution continued to describe North Korea as a nuclear weapons state.

In reality Kim, a third-generation hereditary leader, rules North Korea with an iron-fist and the title change will mean little to the way he wheels power.

Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Michael Perry

Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-constitution/new-north-korea-constitution-calls-kim-head-of-state-seen-as-step-to-u-s-peace-treaty-idUSKCN1U70HD

2019-07-12 05:27:00Z
52780331131129

U.K. Says Iran Tried To Intercept Tanker In Strait Of Hormuz; Tehran Denies It - NPR

Enlarge this image

The British naval vessel HMS Montrose, pictured in 2014, was forced to intercede on behalf of a British tanker blocked by Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defense. U.K. Ministry of Defence via AP hide caption

toggle caption

U.K. Ministry of Defence via AP

Tensions are once again rising in the Strait of Hormuz, after the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense said three Iranian ships tried to block the passage of a British oil tanker and a British naval vessel had to intervene.

Iranian officials, however, denied that any such incident occurred.

The U.K. ministry said in a statement that on Wednesday, "HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away."

Montrose was shadowing the tanker in the waterway between Oman and Iran, when it "appeared that the Iranian vessels were trying to divert the Heritage from international to Iranian waters," a ministry source told CNN.

In Tehran, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters Thursday that the U.K.'s account is "worthless and aimed at escalating tension," Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported.

And Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement in Fars: "Naval patrols of the Guards Corps in the Persian Gulf continue vigilantly, precisely and strongly based on regular procedures and missions, and during the last 24 hours, there have been no encounters with foreign vessels, including the British ones."

The area around the Strait of Hormuz, a critically important shipping channel between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, has been the site of several high-profile incidents in recent weeks.

The U.S. says Iran attacked the tankers Front Altair and Kokuka Courageous in the Gulf of Oman last month using magnetic mines. Iran has denied involvement.

A week later, Iran shot down a U.S. drone with a surface-to-air missile over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the spy craft had violated its airspace, while the U.S. maintained it was in international waters close to Iran. The incident brought the U.S. to the brink of a military strike on Iran, before President Trump said he pulled back.

The Strait of Hormuz links oil producers in the Middle East with outside markets. Last year, an average of 21 million barrels of oil a day passed through the narrow stretch of water — the equivalent of about one-fifth of the world's oil consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The commerical tanker said to have been protected by the Royal Navy on Wednesday was operated by British Petroleum.

"Our top priority is the safety and security of our crews and vessels," BP spokesman Paul Erwood told NPR in a statement. "While we are not commenting on these events, we thank the Royal Navy for their support."

Reports of an attempted interception comes a week after British Royal Marines helped seize an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Gibraltar that was suspected of carrying oil from Iran to Syria, in violation of EU sanctions.

Iran condemned the seizure as "maritime piracy," according to Fars, and "has vowed to employ all its political and legal capacities to secure the release of the vessel and uphold its rights."

As NPR's Peter Kenyon reported, "a former Revolutionary Guards commander was quoted as saying Iran should seize a British tanker in retaliation for the recent seizure of an Iranian tanker by the British Royal Marines."

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has threatened to "substantially" increase sanctions on Iran after Tehran announced that it had breached several limits under the 2015 nuclear deal. The U.S. pulled out of that deal last year.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.npr.org/2019/07/11/740623762/u-k-says-iran-tried-to-intercept-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-tehran-denies-it

2019-07-11 18:44:00Z
CAIiEB-nlnasCrtGjaIrN7ZhGHkqFggEKg4IACoGCAow9vBNMK3UCDCvpUk