April 2019 - Turkey Special Weapons News

F-35 jet program doomed to failure if Turkey excluded, Erdogan says Press TV 30 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the United States for threatening to stall the delivery of F-35 fighter jets to his country over the purchase of Russian-built advanced S-400 air defense missile systems, complaining that Ankara is being subjected to "an imposition" and unfair treatment on the issue.
F-35 Project Without Turkey is Bound to Collapse - Erdogan Sputnik 30 Apr 2019 -- Relations between Turkey and the US have been strained since Ankara made it clear that it would proceed with purchasing Russian S-400 systems. The move prompted the US to suspend its delivery of F-35 fighter jet parts to Turkey.
Analysts: Ouster of Sudanese Leader Hurts Ankara's Regional Goals VOA 29 Apr 2019 -- The recent ouster of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir after decades in power is threatening a key Turkish strategic project on the Red Sea.
USS Ross Conducts Bilateral Exercise with Turkish Navy NNS 29 Apr 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) participated in maritime interoperability training and replenishment-at-sea with Turkish maritime counterparts April 27 in the Black Sea.
USS Ross Conducts Military Exercise With Turkish Navy in Black Sea - US Navy Sputnik 29 Apr 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross conducted a military exercise with the Turkish navy over the weekend in the Black Sea, the US Navy said in a press release on Monday.
Trump, Erdogan talk about Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 Press TV 29 Apr 2019 -- US President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Erdogan, talk about a working group to deal with Ankara's planned purchase of a Russian S-400 missile defense system.
Turkey interested in Russian weaponry other than S-400: Russia's arms exporter Press TV 29 Apr 2019 -- The chief executive of Russia's state-owned arms trade company Rosoboronexport says Turkey has expressed great interest in the acquisition of Russian military hardware other than advanced S-400 air defense missile systems.
Turkish airstrikes kill over dozen Kurdish PKK terrorists in northern Iraq Press TV 29 Apr 2019 -- Turkish military aircraft have "neutralized" more than a dozen members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group when they carried out a string of airstrikes against a terrorist hideout in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Erdogan: Turkey will either 'live or die' in confronting foreign powers Press TV 29 Apr 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will not surrender to economic terrorism of "foreign powers", vowing to confront "those who are plotting against our people".
Turkey Interested in Other Russian Weaponry Apart From S-400s – Official Sputnik 29 Apr 2019 -- The contract for Turkey to procure Russian air defence systems has been vehemently opposed by Washington, who is trying to convince Ankara to ditch it threatening the country with sanctions and freezing deliveries of F-35 fighters.
Iran, Turkey sign agreement on border security IRNA 29 Apr 2019 -- Iranian and Turkish delegates held a meeting in Van City to review safety of border lines and signed an agreement on border security.
Suspected UAE spy held in Turkey commits suicide Press TV 29 Apr 2019 -- One of the two suspected UAE spies detained by Turkey earlier this month has committed suicide, Turkey's media outlets said on Monday.
Man Suspected of Spying for UAE Commits Suicide in Turkish Prison - Reports Sputnik 29 Apr 2019 -- One of the two Turkish prison detainees suspected of spying for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed suicide, Turkey's Haberturk media outlet reported on Monday, citing a senior official.
Erdogan pledges to confront opponents in own party after elections loss Press TV 27 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered shock election defeats in the capital Ankara and commercial hub Istanbul last month, has vowed to confront opponents inside his own party.
Erdogan Vows to Further Boost Turkey's Security With S-400 Despite Spat With US Sputnik 27 Apr 2019 -- The US has threatened Turkey with expulsion from the F-35 programme as well as with sanctions if it doesn't drop its deal with Russia. Washington claims that the Russian systems could reveal weaknesses of the F-35 once deployed in the country.
Turkey arrests 115 military personnel over ties to Gulen Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Turkish police have arrested 115 soldiers over their suspected links to the movement of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara blames for an attempted coup in 2016.
S-400 Purchase Done Deal, But Turkey Still Talking to US About Patriots - Ankara Sputnik 26 Apr 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu earlier warned that Turkey would buy more S-400s if the US refused to sell its Patriot PAC-3 air defence systems to Ankara.
Divisions Deepen in Erdogan's Party Over Istanbul Loss VOA 26 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party is continuing to suffer from the financial and political fallout of this month's loss of influence in Istanbul during local elections. A once-close ally and former prime minister has launched a scathing attack on the ruling AKP amid growing currency woes.
Iran, Russia, Turkey 'determined' to fight terror in Syria Press TV 26 Apr 2019 -- Iran, Russia, and Turkey - the three guarantor states of a ceasefire regime in Syria - are "clearly determined" to continue their fight against terrorism in the Arab country, says the Russian negotiator.
Russia to start deliveries of S-400 to Turkey in July Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Russia says it will start delivering its S-400 anti-missile system to Turkey in July, despite US warnings against the move.
Turkey says will satisfy need for advanced warplanes in 'another place' if US blocks transfer of F-35s Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey will look elsewhere for an alternative to American F-35 fighter jets if Washington blocks the delivery of its advanced stealth warplanes to Ankara.
If US Refuses to Supply F-35s, Turkey Will Satisfy Need Elsewhere - FM Sputnik 23 Apr 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has reportedly said that if the US won't supply Turkey with F-35 fighter jets, Ankara would satisfy its need for them in "another place".
Turkey Slams US as Tensions Escalate Over Iranian Sanctions VOA 23 Apr 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to end waivers from sanctions for countries importing Iranian oil threatens to further escalate tensions with Turkey.
Turkey: US going too far in pushing states to buy oil from its allies Press TV 23 Apr 2019 -- Turkey has censured the US for "going too far" in pressing other countries to buy oil from its own Persian Gulf Arab allies after ending waivers for the purchase of Iranian crude, saying such moves pose a risk to regional stability.
Davutoglu blames Erdogan party for Turkey elections loss Press TV 22 Apr 2019 -- Ahmet Davutoglu, a former prime minister and close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has censured the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for its poor performance in the March local elections.
Turkey Rejects Unilateral US Decision on Oil Sanctions Against Iran Sputnik 22 Apr 2019 -- In Monday's statement, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump had decided not to reissue waivers to any country currently importing Iranian oil after they expire on May 2.
Turkish AKP Files New Appeal Against Istanbul Mayoral Election Results - Reports Sputnik 21 Apr 2019 -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) filed on Saturday a new appeal with the Supreme Election Council in order to cancel the results of the Istanbul mayoral election and call a new vote, local media reported, citing AKP Deputy Chairman Ali Ihsan Yavuz.
Turkey understands NATO's concerns on Russian missile deal: FM People's Daily 20 Apr 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday that Turkey understands NATO's concerns over its procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense missiles.
Russia to be Turkey's 'First Choice' if Ankara Ousted From F-35 Project – Report Sputnik 20 Apr 2019 -- Turkey and the United States have been at loggerheads over Ankara's decision to acquire Russia-built S-400 air defence systems, which prompted Washington to suspend its delivery of F-35 fighter jet parts to Turkey.
Turkish FM: S-400 Systems Acquired by Turkey Pose No Threat to F-35 Fighter Jets Sputnik 19 Apr 2019 -- Russia's S-400 air defence systems, acquired by Turkey, do not pose a threat to the US fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday.
Turkey Insists It Will Remain Part of F-35 Programme Despite US Threats Sputnik 19 Apr 2019 -- The United States has repeatedly warned of possible sanctions against Turkey under the 2017 Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), including halting the deliveries of F-35 fighter jets, if Ankara goes ahead with the purchase of S-400 air defence systems from Russia.
Turkey 'De Facto' Established Safe Zone in Syria Up to Manbij - Ankara Sputnik 19 Apr 2019 -- A safe zone has been "de facto" established between Turkey and Syria right up to the city of Manbij in Syria, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Thursday.
Turkey detains, investigates UAE operatives over Khashoggi murder Press TV 19 Apr 2019 -- Turkey has arrested two alleged intelligence operatives who confessed to spying on Arab nationals on behalf of the United Arab Emirates, a senior Turkish official says.
Turkey Arrests Two People on Suspicion of Spying For UAE - Reports Sputnik 19 Apr 2019 -- Reuters, citing an unnamed Turkish official, reported on Friday that the country's authorities had detained two people as part of an investigation by the Istanbul chief prosecutor's office.
Imamoglu becomes Istanbul mayor, re-run appeal still pending Press TV 18 Apr 2019 -- Turkey's main opposition party candidate in local elections has been declared mayor of Istanbul after recounts of the votes despite a pending appeal from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ruling AK Party for the vote to annulled and re-run.
As Turkish-US Tensions Escalate, Ankara Looks to NATO VOA 18 Apr 2019 -- As tensions escalate between Turkey and the United States over the procurement of Russian missiles, Ankara is looking to NATO, which it sees as taking a more nuanced stance on the controversial weapons purchase.
Iran's Zarif, Turkey's Erdogan slam US sanctions, IRGC blacklisting as they urge enhanced ties Press TV 17 Apr 2019 -- Tehran and Ankara have voiced opposition to the US sanctions against Iran as well as Washington's terror blacklisting of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps while reaffirming the need to bolster bilateral ties.
Ankara Won't Allow Questioning Its NATO Status Over S-400s – Official Sputnik 17 Apr 2019 -- Turkey will not allow NATO to question its status of an alliance member over the decision to buy Russian S-400 air defence systems (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler), Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told the Anadolu news agency in an interview.
US-Turkey Deadlock Over Ankara's S-400 Deal Shows No Sign of Resolution – Report Sputnik 17 Apr 2019 -- On Tuesday, Turkish Finance Minister Berat Albayrak said after his talks with Donald Trump in Washington that the US President has demonstrated "a reasonable approach" toward Ankara's purchases of Russian S-400 air defence systems.
Turkish Ruling Party Files Appeal Against Istanbul Election Results – Reports Sputnik 16 Apr 2019 -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) filed on Tuesday an appeal with the Supreme Election Council against the results of the recent mayoral election in the country's biggest city of Istanbul, the Anadolu news agency reported.
Turkey Ready to Adjust S-400 Parameters If US Proves They're 'Threat' Sputnik 16 Apr 2019 -- Turkey may adjust technical parameters of the S-400 air defence systems bought from Russia if the United States proves alleged risks that the complexes pose to the US military facilities, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Tuesday.
Turkey says purchasing Russian S-400 should not trigger US sanctions Press TV 15 Apr 2019 -- Turkey says the purchase of advanced S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia should not unleash US sanctions since Ankara is not an adversary of Washington and remains committed to NATO.
Ankara Warns F-35 Programme Will be 'Damaged' If US Excludes Turkey Sputnik 15 Apr 2019 -- Turkey has invested over $1.25 billion into the fifth generation fighter project, with Washington threatening to withhold deliveries of the planes if Ankara goes ahead with the deployment of its recently purchased S-400 air defence systems from Russia.
Turkey Agrees Not to Integrate S-400 With NATO Systems - Defence Minister Sputnik 15 Apr 2019 -- Russian S-400 air defence systems will not be integrated into any active NATO military systems, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said in Washington on Monday.
Russia Hails Turkey's Stance on S-400 Systems Despite US Pressure - Kremlin Sputnik 14 Apr 2019 -- Moscow welcomes Turkey's uncompromising position with regard to the purchase of S-400 air defence systems from Russia in spite of the pressure applied by the United States, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated.
US-Turkish Tensions Escalate Over Russian Missile Purchase VOA 12 Apr 2019 -- With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirming his commitment to buy Russian missiles in the face of renewed warnings from NATO ally the United States about sanctions, Ankara and Washington remain on a collision course. Analysts warn that with a July date looming for Ankara to take delivery of the missiles, time is running out to avert a rupture in bilateral ties.
Turkey Condemns French, Italian Recognition Of Armenian Genocide RFE/RL 11 Apr 2019 -- Turkey has strongly condemned separate moves by France and Italy to officially recognize the mass killings of Armenians at the beginning of the 20th century as genocide.
'Russia ready to expand military cooperation with Turkey on new S-400 supplies' Press TV 10 Apr 2019 -- A high-ranking Russian official says his country is interested in expanding military and technical cooperation with other states, and is ready to consider signing new contracts on delivering advanced S-400 air defense missile systems to Turkey.
Erdogan demands annulment of Istanbul election results Press TV 10 Apr 2019 -- Turkey's president has called on electoral authorities to annul the results of local elections in Istanbul -- the country's economic heartland and his home city -- due to alleged irregularities.
Turkey: Delivery of Russian S-400 may be brought forward Press TV 10 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country's purchase of Russia's S-400 is a "done" deal, and that the delivery of the missile defense system may happen sooner than the date set.
Erdogan: Russian S-400 Delivery May Be Brought Forward RFE/RL 10 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Russian air-defense missile systems could be delivered earlier than initially planned, standing by a purchase that has put the NATO member at odds with Washington.
S-400s and F-35s are Incompatible and Turkey Knows It – Pompeo Sputnik 10 Apr 2019 -- Earlier, Ankara hinted that it may turn to Russia for advanced aircraft if Washington fails to honour its commitment to sell Turkey its Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets.
Turkey Hints It May Find Russian Substitute for F-35 Jets If US Halts Deliveries Sputnik 10 Apr 2019 -- Ankara will find a substitute for the US F-35 fighter jets if the United States refuses to deliver the aircraft to Turkey over the purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence systems, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday.
Turkey May Buy More Russia's S-400 if US Won't Sell Patriots – Foreign Minister Sputnik 10 Apr 2019 -- Speaking at a press conference after his talks with Vladimir Putin on Monday, Turkish President Recep Erdogan stressed that Turkey's decision to buy S-400 missile systems from Russia was his country's "sovereign right" and that no one should demand that Ankara abandon its deal with Moscow.
Turkey Says Not Giving Up On Russian Missile Deal Despite U.S. Pressure RFE/RL 08 Apr 2019 -- Turkey is not withdrawing from an agreement to buy an advanced Russian missile system, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on April 8, despite increasing pressure from Washington.
Russia, Turkey Have Other Arms Agreements In Addition to S-400 Deal - Putin Sputnik 08 Apr 2019 -- The Russian president met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, who arrived in Moscow for talks about the state of Russian-Turkish relations.
Erdogan Reports 'Stealing' of Ruling AKP's Votes in Istanbul Mayoral Election Sputnik 08 Apr 2019 -- The mayoral election in Istanbul, which took place on 31 March, was accompanied by systematic irregularities, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, adding that votes had been stolen from his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Erdogan Weighs Efforts to Overturn Istanbul Vote Defeat VOA 08 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has thrown his full political weight into efforts to reverse the defeat of his AK Party in mayoral elections for Turkey's largest city, Istanbul.
Turkey 'Ready' for New Military Operation in Syria – Erdogan Sputnik 08 Apr 2019 -- Earlier, the Turkish president warned that Ankara planned to "resolve" the "Syrian issue on the field," rather than the negotiating table, after the 31 March election.
Erdogan to discuss possible Turkish operation in Syria with Putin: RIA Press TV 08 Apr 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he is scheduled to discuss with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a possible Turkish military operation in northern Syria, where it has been confronting US-backed militants.
Erdogan accuses US, Europe of 'meddling' in Turkey's internal affairs Press TV 06 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused the United States and Europe of "meddling" in Turkey's internal affairs after its Western allies issued statements following his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)'s challenge to local election results.
Turkey will purchase Russian S-400 missile systems, President Erdogan says Press TV 05 Apr 2019 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey continues to make payments under a deal with Russia to purchase advanced S-400 air defense missile systems, which Washington has warned could put Ankara at risk of US sanctions.
U.S., Turkey Intensify War Of Words Over Syria, Russian Missiles RFE/RL 05 Apr 2019 -- A war of words between NATO allies the United States and Turkey intensified, with the sides disputing the readout of a meeting of the countries' foreign ministers regarding Syria
US State Department making false claims on Cavusoglu-Pompeo meeting: Turkey Press TV 04 Apr 2019 -- Turkey has lashed out at the US over what it described as false claims regarding the content of an earlier meeting between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, during which they discussed tensions in the two countries' relations.
Turkey hits back at Pence, says US must choose between NATO ally and 'terrorists' Press TV 04 Apr 2019 -- Turkey has hit back at the US over an ultimatum for Ankara to stop buying Russian S-400 missile defense systems or risk its NATO membership, saying it is Washington that "must choose" between remaining an ally of Turkey or siding with "terrorists."
US joining forces with terrorists, Turkey says , voicing determination to buy Russian S-400 Press TV 04 Apr 2019 -- Turkey is ignoring threats by top US officials to buy Russia's S-400 missile system.
US-Turkish Tensions Rise Amid Warnings of a Rupture VOA 04 Apr 2019 -- Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay is warning the United States of the danger of a rupture in relations, as myriad differences between the two NATO allies escalate tensions.
US expects Turkey to buy Patriot system instead of Russia's S-400: Pentagon Press TV 03 Apr 2019 -- The United States expects Turkey will buy its Patriot missile systems instead of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, the Pentagon says.
Istanbul's Opposition Mayoral Candidate Demands to be Declared Election Winner VOA 03 Apr 2019 -- Istanbul's opposition mayoral candidate urged Turkey's elections board Wednesday to confirm his narrow victory after it launched a partial recount of votes in eight of the city's 39 districts.
US joining forces with terrorists, Turkey says , voicing determination to buy Russian S-400 Press TV 04 Apr 2019 -- Turkey is ignoring threats by top US officials to buy Russia's S-400 missile system.
U.S. Vice President Warns Turkey, Germany Over Dealings With Russia RFE/RL 03 Apr 2019 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has warned Turkey and Germany about their dealings with Russia, telling Ankara it is "reckless" and warning Berlin it risks becoming a "captive" of Moscow.
Pentagon Working on Secondary Supply Sources for Turkish-Made F-35 Parts Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The US Defence Department is searching for new sources to replace Turkish-made F-35 aircraft parts after Washington suspended activities associated with Turkey's F-35 operational capability, Pentagon spokesperson Charles Summers said in a statement.
Ruling AKP asks Turkey election board to settle row over Istanbul vote results Press TV 02 Apr 2019 -- The outcome of mayoral elections in Turkey's second-largest city of Istanbul remains in doubt as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party is challenging the initial results, which gave the main opposition party a slight lead in one of the economic hub's tightest election races in decades.
Erdogan's Party Appeals Election Results in Istanbul, Ankara VOA 02 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party on Tuesday appealed election results in Istanbul and Ankara, claiming irregularities in the voting cost them mayorships in both cities.
Turkish Ruling AKP Appeals Results of Mayoral Election in Istanbul Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- Turkish ruling Justice and Development Party appealed the preliminary results of the election of the mayor of Istanbul, where an opposition candidate is leading, with the Central Election Commission (CEC), head of the Istanbul division of the party said Tuesday.
Acting US Defence Chief Expects Turkey to Purchase Patriot Instead of S-400s Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The United States expects that Turkey will opt to purchase Patriot missile systems instead of S-400s, in a move that would resolve its dispute with the country over F-35 deliveries, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told reporters on Tuesday.
US State Dept Threatens Turkey With Sanctions Amid Halt on F-35 Program Sputnik 02 Apr 2019 -- The US government warned Ankara that it could face even more consequences including sanctions for purchasing Russian S-400 defence systems, a State Department official told Sputnik on Monday after the United States reportedly halted shipments of F-35-related equipment to Turkey.
U.S. Suspends F-35 Deliveries To Turkey Over Russia's S-400 Missile Deal RFE/RL 01 Apr 2019 -- The United States says it is halting deliveries to Turkey related to the F-35 fighter-jet program in response to Ankara's decision to move ahead with the purchase of Russian air-defense system.
No US F-35 equipment shipment to Turkey over Russia's S-400: Report Press TV 01 Apr 2019 -- The United States has stopped shipment of equipment for F-35 equipment to Turkey over the country's defensive cooperation with Russia, a report says.
Erdogan's ruling party suffers major defeat in Turkey's local polls Press TV 01 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party has suffered heavy losses in nationwide local elections, a sign that rising levels of unemployment and the backlash from last year's currency crisis are starting to take their toll on his years-long domination over Turkey's politics.
Turkey's opposition CHP claims victory in Istanbul elections Press TV 01 Apr 2019 -- Turkey's opposition Republican People's party (CHP) has claimed clear-cut victory in mayoral elections in the city of Istanbul despite a statement by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggesting his ruling AK Party had the upper hand in the votes.
Turkey Faces Political Reset After Erdogan Loses Key Cities VOA 01 Apr 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suffered his worst electoral setback, with his ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, losing control of the capital, Ankara, and seemingly set to lose Istanbul following this past Sunday's local elections.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

April 2019 - Turkey Special Weapons News