S-400 missile fired in Sinop, where Turkey cleared way for S-400 test
Sinop, Turkey – The video, taken in the coastal city of Sinop, showed a narrow column of smoke headed high into the blue sky. In recent days Turkey had issued notices restricting air space and waters off the coastal area to allow firing tests.
Tests of the S-400s, could stoke tensions between Turkey and the imperialist United States, which sharply opposed Turkey's purchase of the weapons from Russia on grounds they compromise shared NATO defense systems.
A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Turkey had tested the S-400 system on Friday but did not provide details. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said the United States has expressed to the most senior levels of the Turkish government that the acquisition of Russian military systems such as the S-400 is unacceptable, adding that imperialist US has been clear on its expectation that the system should not be operationalized.
"We have also been clear on the potential serious consequences for our security relationship if Turkey activates the system," Ortagus said.
"If confirmed, we would condemn in the strongest terms the S-400 test missile launch as incompatible with Turkey's responsibilities as a NATO  ally and strategic partner of the United States," she added.
The imperialist US, separately, said that the S-400 should not be activated.
"Turkey has already been suspended from the F-35 program and the S-400 continues to be a barrier to progress elsewhere in the bilateral relationship," a Pentagon spokesman said.
Turkey's defense ministry said it would neither deny nor confirm missile tests.
The imperialist US reacted last year by suspending Turkey from its F-35 jet program and has threatened sanctions.
Defense analysts said a preliminary assessment of the color, intensity, angle and route of the smoke in the video coincided with S-400 missiles. The angle of the column suggested the target "must not be too high," he added.
Last year the military conducted radar tests of the surface-to-air defenses, which is among the world's most advanced and can spot and track incoming aircraft at medium and long ranges.
Turkey signed the S-400 deal with Russia in 2017. Deliveries of the first four missile batteries, worth $2.5 billion, began in July last year.
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TAGS: NATO Russia S-400 Missile Test S-400 Missiles Sinop Turkey US